Ready for give and take on Ladakh, says Sonam Wangchuk

The flexible approach of Wangchuk appeared to be a departure from the known non-negotiable stance of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which have been seeking the Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh.

Addressing a press conference here, Wangchuk said, "Their (the regional entities') main issue is the Sixth Schedule and statehood. If not both, at least one."

Hinting at a give-and-take approach, Wangchuk, who was accompanied by his wife Gitanjali Angmo, said that if the Centre wants something, "We should get something. It should not be a lose-lose from one side.”

Appreciating the government's “extension of hand” to build trust and initiate dialogue, Wangchuk said, “We were sure of a victory in court. I am greedy. I was looking for a win-win. What use is Sonam winning if the cause does not win?”

He denied that there was any kind of an agreement or deal with the government leading to his release. “Even if there was an offer, I wouldn’t have taken it. My agitation was not for myself but for the people of Ladakh,” he said, adding that he would be willing to be part of any high-powered committee representing Ladakh in negotiations with the Centre, if required.

Significantly, he added that Ladakh “will also win” if talks move in a constructive direction.

“They have offered constructive, meaningful dialogue. We had to struggle for it. In yesterday’s (Monday) rally also, people were demanding talks. Where will you find such people?”

Drawing a contrast with violent conflicts elsewhere, he said, “Normally you see people leaving the table and picking up the gun. And then the government says let’s talk. I am happy to see that this revocation has been done to initiate constructive dialogue.”

Wangchuk said the government’s decision to release him had made his job easy, as he was otherwise preparing for a long-drawn legal battle.

He explained that he was prepared to spend probably another year in detention and then “come out and speak of all the horrors unleashed on me. I was not even allowed to make a call before being jailed”.