Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Leads 20-Km 'PadYatra' As Ladakh March 2026 Brings Constitutional Talks Into Focus
By CCN News | Published: Sep 23, 2026
By CCN News | Published: Sep 23, 2026
Image Source: Social
Leh saw renewed public mobilisation on Wednesday, a day before the first anniversary of the Sept. 24, 2025, violence in which four people were killed during protests over Ladakh's political and constitutional demands. The 20-kilometre 'PadYatra' from Kharu to Leh is being held by members and supporters of the Leh Apex Body as talks with the Union government continue over safeguards for land, culture, employment and the environment.
Why Ladakh Is Marching Again
The Sept. 24, 2025, protests in Leh followed demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Four people died after police action during the violence. The Ministry of Home Affairs later ordered a judicial inquiry headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan. The inquiry has examined government witnesses and received public affidavits. Its findings have not been made public.
Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body have continued to seek greater constitutional protection and local participation in decisions involving land, tourism, industry, employment and the environment. A separate memorial event is planned in Leh on Sept. 24.
Compensation And Inquiry Remain Key Issues
The Ladakh administration sanctioned Rs 1.52 crore in compensation this month. Families of the four deceased will receive Rs 15 lakh each. Twenty-four people with major injuries will receive Rs 3 lakh each, while 20 people with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh each.
The compensation announcement addressed one demand raised by representative bodies. The judicial inquiry into the 2025 incident remains a separate process.
New Constitutional Framework Under Discussion
Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has said a new framework is being developed under Article 371. The proposed model is intended to address the region's specific needs, including land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources. Discussions have also considered direct elections for a proposed Union Territory-level body.
The next meeting between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs is proposed for the first week of October. The talks could provide further details on the proposed governance structure and constitutional safeguards.
Image Source: 'X' Account/Sonam Wangchuk/@Wangchuk66
New Constitutional Framework Under Discussion
Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has said a new framework is being developed under Article 371. The proposed model is intended to address the region's specific needs, including land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources. Discussions have also considered direct elections for a proposed Union Territory-level body.
The next meeting between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs is proposed for the first week of October. The talks could provide further details on the proposed governance structure and constitutional safeguards.
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