Leh, Sept. 24 -- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's efforts to mobilise public support in Leh around the first anniversary of last year's violence received a muted response, with the padyatra and public meeting witnessing limited participation, even as the Ladakh administration under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena maintained a firm grip over the situation.
According to sources, no more than 70 people participated in the padyatra led by Wangchuk on September 23, despite permission having been sought for a 20-km foot march from Kharu village to Leh Market. "The march was terminated after covering only about four km at Stakna. The participants then boarded vehicles and proceeded to Sindhu Ghat before marching to the NDS Memorial Park," they said.
The poor turnout was followed by another subdued response to the inter-faith prayer meeting organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) at the NDS ground on Thursday. Permission was granted for the meeting from 10 am to noon, and organisers were expecting a crowd of 10,000 people to attend it. However, fewer than 800 people attended, with the gathering numbering just over 120 during its first hour.
The meeting was addressed by Wangchuk, LBA president Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Ladakh MP Mohammed Hanifa Jan, Thupstan Chhewang, Asghar Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, among others.
The muted response to the two programmes contrasts with the scale of mobilisation projected by the organisers. The developments also came as the administration sought to project a message of reconciliation ahead of the anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence.
On Wednesday, Saxena approved withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with last year's violence, saying the decision was taken in the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony. Ladakh Police had recommended a closure report after reviewing the cases.
Wangchuk, meanwhile, has continued to demand the early publication of the judicial inquiry report into last year's violence and adequate compensation for the victims. He has also pressed for safeguards for Ladakh, including statehood and Sixth Schedule-related demands. Meanwhile, the Ladakh Police rejected allegations made during Thursday's meeting that barricades were erected to prevent people from attending it. The police said the security and traffic arrangements were put in place because organisers had projected a large gathering, and maintained that no individual was stopped from reaching the venue.
The administration said the arrangements were intended to ensure public safety and the smooth conduct of the programmes, while the limited participation in Wangchuk's events provided a markedly different picture from the large mobilisation anticipated by the organisers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.