Ladakh Gets Another Long March, This Time With Sonam Wangchuk Leading the Way

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is set to lead a 20 kilometre padayatra with people from Kharoo village in Leh on September 23, with the march aimed at reminding the Centre of its promises to the people of Ladakh and seeking justice for those who died during last year’s violence. Wangchuk said the march had been shortened because of the changing weather and the onset of the colder season in Ladakh. The padayatra was initially planned to begin from Kargil but has now been reduced to a 20 kilometre route. The march will begin at a stupa being constructed by villagers in memory of those who lost their lives during the September 24, 2025, violence in Leh. Its timing is significant as it comes just a day before the first anniversary of the incident. A March With a Message According to Wangchuk, the padayatra is intended to serve as a reminder to the Centre about commitments made to the people of Ladakh. The activist has also linked the march to the demand for justice for those who died during the violence a year ago. The decision to continue with the march despite shortening its original route reflects the organisers intention to maintain a public programme around the anniversary. Weather Changes the Route The original plan involved a longer journey beginning in Kargil. However, changing weather conditions and the approaching winter season led organisers to revise the programme. The revised 20-kilometre march will instead involve people from Kharoo village in Leh and start from the memorial stupa being built by villagers. One Year Since the Leh Violence The padayatra comes ahead of September 24, marking one year since violence during protest in Leh in 2025. The anniversary has given added significance to the march, with Wangchuk and participants expected to remember those who died while reiterating their demands. For the organiser, the September 23 march is therefore both a public demonstration and a commemorative event. Its immediate focus remains on reminding the Centre of its commitment and seeking justice for those who lost their lives a year ago. With the original Kargil to Leh plan curtailed because of the weather, the 20 kilometre route will now serve as the focal point of the programme on September 23.