Sonam Wangchuk Seeks President's Intervention Over Alleged Ladakh Smear Campaign

Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has approached President Droupadi Murmu, asking for intervention regarding alleged administrative actions and a defamation campaign in Ladakh. Wangchuk stated that the Lieutenant Governor-led administration is targeting him and other critics.

The appeal follows the August cancellation of the land lease for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, which Wangchuk co-founded. The administration stated that the lease was revoked due to unfulfilled payments, failure to execute the deed, and land use non-compliance.

In a video shared on social media, Wangchuk presented excerpts from an investigation conducted by his lawyers. He alleged that a creative agency was involved in promoting the Lieutenant Governor while targeting critics through specific social media pages.

Wangchuk and institute co-founder Gitanjali J Angmo blamed bureaucratic delays for the land lease issues and termed the cancellation a political move connected to demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Additionally, Wangchuk criticized various local policies concerning liquor, land, and industry, alleging they disadvantage local populations.