Sonam Wangchuk apologises for comparing Ladakh situation with Tibet

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk retracted his comparison between the situation in Ladakh and Tibet, clarifying that his comment was meant to emphasize the severity of the violence in Leh on September 24, 2022, rather than denigrating the Tibetan people. The Leh Apex Body member released an apology on Facebook after the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala labeled his remarks as "misplaced and inaccurate." Wangchuk stated that his intention was not to cause any harm, particularly to his Tibetan friends.

The Central Tibetan Administration spokesperson, Tenzin Lekshay, had previously criticized Wangchuk's comparison, asserting that Tibet remains under Chinese authoritarian rule, experiencing systematic repression of fundamental rights, religious freedom, and efforts to erase its unique cultural identity. The comparison was made during Wangchuk's address in Leh on the anniversary of the police firing that resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries during protests demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood.

Wangchuk had expressed concern about an "encounter" for speaking out against what he perceived as atrocities in Ladakh, suggesting that the violence was worse than what China perpetrates in Tibet. On Saturday, he acknowledged the suffering of Tibetans, reiterating his long-standing opposition to Chinese repression. However, he maintained that those who witnessed the Leh violence might comprehend his comparison.

In the town of approximately 20,000 residents, four people were killed, one took their own life, and 75 were arrested for charges such as attempt to murder. Wangchuk also alleged that the violence had been "stage-managed" and occurred without official orders.