Concerns raised over the impact of climate change and governance failures on Himalayan communities
The civil society group People for Himalaya has expressed its strong opposition to the recent arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk, describing it as an assault on democratic rights and an infringement on the freedom to dissent. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act, which the group alleges is a blatant attempt to silence the voices of Ladakh’s citizens, who are raising legitimate concerns regarding their constitutional rights, livelihoods, and environmental issues.
During a press conference, the group called for Wangchuk’s immediate release and the withdrawal of all charges against him. The context of this demand is underscored by recent unrest in Ladakh, where four individuals lost their lives due to police firing amid protests advocating for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This schedule provides protections for land and autonomy in tribal-dominated regions, an important consideration given that over 97% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes.
The Union government has stated that the violence was instigated by ‘provocative statements’ made by Wangchuk. However, People for Himalaya has condemned the excessive use of force against protesters, labeling it an act of brutality against unarmed citizens, and has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the violent incidents. Additionally, they are calling for the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta and the police chief, SD Singh Jamwal, who defended the police action by claiming it was necessary to prevent further escalation of violence.
Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance emphasized the need for a ‘meaningful and productive’ dialogue regarding the rights of the people in a dignified manner. He noted that despite several discussions with the government, no fruitful resolutions have been reached. Kargili further criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that the arrest of Wangchuk under stringent laws and the detention of other protesters are attempts to distract from the genuine concerns of the people, leading to a growing sense of betrayal and alienation.
While acknowledging the need for development, Kargili stressed that it must be pursued with respect for local ecological security. The civil society group has also raised alarms about environmental and social vulnerabilities in the Himalayan region, citing recent floods and landslides in areas such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. They argue that these incidents cannot merely be categorized as natural or climate disasters; rather, they are the result of climate change exacerbated by poor governance and reckless development practices.
According to the group, the rapid expansion of commercial tourism, unregulated infrastructure projects, and deforestation have all contributed to these vulnerabilities. They contend that both governments and regulatory bodies have ignored the warnings from scientists, opting instead for short-sighted initiatives that elevate risks rather than mitigate them. People for Himalaya insists that the current developmental trajectory is unsustainable and that immediate corrective measures are essential to avert further ecological devastation.
In their statement, the group affirmed its commitment to standing with the people of Ladakh and all Himalayan communities that resist ecological destruction, advocating for the protection of their ancestral lands, democratic rights, and future sustainability.
