Back in Ladakh, Wangchuk receives warm welcome, calls for ‘give and take’ solution

Srinagar: Hundreds gather in Leh to welcome environmental activists and members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) Golden Wangchuk After his release from jail, he struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, urging the Union government to ensure that the upcoming talks with Ladakh leaders were based on a “win-win” approach for Ladakh and the Centre.While Wangchuck emphasized a “give and take” approach in his speech at the rally, there was no mention of the Sixth Schedule or statehood, but at the same time, Wangchuck said he would continue the fight if needed.The reception was organized by the Labor Party, which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance is seeking statehood and sixth schedule for the Union Territory of Ladakh.Wangchuk said: “I fight for the people, culture, environment, rivers, flora and fauna and glaciers of Ladakh. Their success is my success.” People held banners that read “Justice for Ladakh”, “Withdrawal of the September 24 case” and “Ladakh will not forget the fallen heroes”, alongside the portraits of the four people who were killed in Leh police shooting on September 24 last year.He described the movement as a “new dawn” and said it was entering a “new phase” but called for “flexible steps”. He said he was told the government had acknowledged the September 24 dismissal was a mistake and was seeking to correct it. He hopes justice will be served in the case and those arrested will be released.Wangchuck was arrested by the National Security Agency on September 26, 2025, and was detained in Jodhpur Prison. Last week, the Home Ministry revoked his detention, saying the government remained committed to providing all necessary safeguards to Ladakh and hoped that issues regarding the region would be resolved through “constructive engagement and dialogue.”The last round of talks was held on February 4, but there was still no result. Ladakh leaders seek another round of talks soon.Wangchuk said Ladakh leaders would hold talks in the hope of achieving a win-win outcome, not as rumored in the region. Wangchuk held on to his cards, saying that after the upcoming talks, Ladakh leaders would once again engage with the people of the country and convey whether the talks would bring “win-win or lose-lose results.”