Once celebrated as the face of innovation and environmental stewardship, Sonam Wangchuk has undergone a startling transformation. From being nationally hailed as “the real-life Phunsukh Wangdu" of 3 Idiots fame to becoming the epicentre of a political agitation that pushed Ladakh to the brink of chaos, Wangchuk’s mask has finally slipped off – leaving the youth of Ladakh largely disillusioned and bitterly disappointed.

Wangchuk’s journey from educator and innovator to provocateur and agitator has not only disillusioned his admirers but has also plunged Ladakh into a cycle of unrest and tragedy that culminated in violent clashes leading to the death of four protestors and injuries to dozens of others.

For years, Sonam Wangchuk symbolised hope and ingenuity in the harsh terrains of Ladakh. His “Ice Stupa" innovation won global praise, while his alternative education initiatives through the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) empowered a generation of local students. Wangchuk’s work earned him a Ramon Magsaysay Award nomination and recognition as a grassroots environmental reformer who bridged tradition and technology.

But the turning point came when he began to step out of the classroom and into the realm of politics – a move that would eventually blur the lines between activism and agitation.

In the wake of Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir and its elevation to a Union Territory in 2019, Wangchuk’s activism took a political turn. Initially, he called for safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecology and indigenous culture. However, over time, his movement became less about environmental and social protection and more about political posturing.

Wangchuk began framing his narrative around victimhood and marginalisation, portraying Ladakhis as being “betrayed" by New Delhi. His speeches slowly became inflammatory and highly provocative in nature. Amplified through social media and sympathetic outlets, they began echoing tones used by global separatist movements – invoking emotional appeals, moral outrage, and eventually becoming increasingly confrontational.

Under the guise of environmental concern, Wangchuk began mobilising protests against the administration, alleging that Ladakh was being “sold out" to industrial and corporate interests.

He accused the government of “colonising Ladakh" – a phrase that struck an emotional nerve among the youngsters, particularly the Gen Z of Ladakh, but was completely bereft of factual basis.

While his earlier activism focused on sustainable solutions, his recent rhetoric shifted towards political provocation. His calls for “civil disobedience" and “peaceful resistance" quickly devolved into a clarion call to turn Ladakh’s political landscape into a replica of violent movements like the “Arab Spring" and the recent “Nepal protests." These were clear calls for violence and mayhem aimed at pushing the youth of Ladakh toward “romantic revolutionism" through violent means.

The street mobilisations planned during his hunger strikes were designed to attract disaffected youth and opportunistic political elements. Videos of his fiery speeches – often laced with moral indignation and veiled threats – circulated widely, turning him from an innovator into a populist provocateur.

On September 24, the protests in Leh that Wangchuk organised under the banner of “Save Ladakh" finally spiralled out of control.

What began as a demonstration for constitutional safeguards soon descended into chaos and violence when protestors clashed with security personnel. Stones were hurled, vehicles were set ablaze, and the police were forced to use force to quell the violence.

In the ensuing mayhem, four protestors lost their lives, and dozens more were injured.

A month later, as the smoke seemed to settle, young Ladakhis – who had been misled into believing they were defending their homeland from exploitation – slowly began voicing their opinions. Stanzin, a 22-year-old student, said: “We thought we were participating in a peaceful protest demanding our constitutional rights, not for a violent revolution. After an hour, everything changed – it seemed the whole event was hijacked by people who had pre-planned the violence. I’m still in shock. He made us do his dirty work. I feel disgusted."

Tsering, 19, added: “I feel terrible – innocent people died while Wangchuk boarded........

© News18