Sonam Wangchuk, the inspiration behind 3 Idiots, ends hunger strike as Ladakh protests turn violent.
Ladakh is seeing growing protests as people demand full statehood and special constitutional protection. The situation worsened after 15 activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, went on a 35-day hunger strike. Some protesters were hospitalized.
Violence broke out in Leh when some protestors clashed with police, set fire to a BJP office, and damaged a police vehicle. Authorities banned large gatherings. Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and called for peace.
Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known engineer, innovator, and education reformer from Ladakh. He is famous for creating the solar-powered, fossil-fuel-free SECMOL campus, a model of sustainable education.
He has worked with many NGOs and was the editor of Ladakh’s only magazine, Ladgas Melong. Sonam Wangchuk inspired the character of Rancho in Bollywood’s hit movie 3 Idiots. His work has made him a respected leader among Ladakh’s youth.
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Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, locals have been asking for full statehood and extra legal protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
With this status, Ladakh would have greater autonomy and be able to protect its culture and environment. Sonam Wangchuk has been leading the movement, focusing on constitutional rights and sustainable development.
On September 24, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk stopped his 15-day hunger strike after protests in Leh turned violent. He said, "I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith, as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation."
He asked the administration to avoid using force and stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue.
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Sonam Wangchuk urged the protesters to stay calm and avoid violence. He said, "Please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause." He reminded everyone that the strength of their movement comes from peaceful methods, not clashes with authorities.
Wangchuk wants to balance between protecting the environment and culture with activism. He believes that local communities should have more power and that they should keep Ladakh's nature and tradition safe.
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His objectives include improving education, promoting responsible development, and ensuring that progress does not harm the region's cultural legacy.
Ladakh politicians, including those from Kargil Democratic Alliance and the Leh Apex Body, will meet with the central government on October 6, 2025.
These talks will address the Sixth Schedule's protections and claims to full statehood. The decisions made will determine the movement's future direction and impact on Ladakh's political trajectory.
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