Ladakh L-G Says Sonam Wangchuk Accepted Comparing UT To Manipur Was ‘Error’

Last Updated:May 26, 2026, 23:19 IST

Ladakh L-G warns Sonam Wangchuk against spreading 'misleading narrative', says Wangchuk admitted Manipur comparison was an error and praised recent development projects.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday said he has warned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk against spreading a “misleading narrative" and comparing the Union Territory to the violence-hit Manipur. The L-G said the activist during the “candid exchange" accepted that comparing the situation of Ladakh with Manipur was an “error of judgement".

The talks between Saxena and Sonam Wangchuk and his wife Gitanjali Angmo came after a round of talks between Ladakh’s umbrella civil and political bodies, Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, and the Union Home Ministry.

In a post on X, the L-G said that the three agreed the need to maintain an “air of positivity, both in terms of development initiatives and political dialogue".

He said: “I cautioned Shri Wangchuk to abjure from weaving a misleading and provocative narrative, which vitiates public discourse."

“Democratic expression must not be taken as license for fabricating falsehoods and rabble rousing. He accepted that comparing the situation of Ladakh with Manipur was an error of judgement. He also said that he was unsure of the origins of the Cockroach Party and would study the motivations of its founders and revisit his stand, if necessary," L-G Saxena said.

During the talks, he also pointed out that “repeated rallies and protests, despite positive developments initiated by the Centre" have a “negative impact on economic activities in the tourism space, which is the backbone of Ladakh".

“Shri Wangchuk appreciated the positive development initiatives like Him Sarovar project, restoration of Igoo Phey Canal, construction of Mahe – Topko Canal and massive plantation drives, undertaken in the recent days," he added.

This comes days after Wangchuk in an interview with PTI said tensions in Ladakh had recently escalated to a point where he feared the Union Territory could become “another Manipur", citing growing unrest and divisions between communities.

“Last week was very negative. There was conflict everywhere. I thought Ladakh would become another Manipur; it was heading in that direction," he said.

News india Ladakh L-G Says Sonam Wangchuk Accepted Comparing UT To Manipur Was ‘Error’

Read More