Sonam Wangchuk says Article 371 talks for Ladakh still ‘work in progress’; backs Cockroach Janta Party

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposal to grant constitutional safeguards to Ladakh under Article 371. Following a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Wangchuk characterized the ongoing negotiations as a "work in progress," emphasizing that while an understanding has been reached, it is not yet a formal accord or agreement.

Representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) held discussions with the Union government, announcing an "in-principle understanding" for special constitutional safeguards in the region. Wangchuk noted on X that significant progress was made, with a broad consensus on restoring democracy through a tailor-made legislative body.

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This is not a time to celebrate or deplore based on what has been discussed so far. It is a work in progress. Only an understanding has been reached and it is not an accord or an agreement…We hope that there will be progress in this in the coming days.

In an interview with PTI, Wangchuk elaborated that talks are focused on finalizing and devolving responsibilities under Article 371. "This is not a time to celebrate or deplore based on what has been discussed so far. It is a work in progress," he stated. "We hope that there will be progress in this in the coming days."

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We made significant progress this evening in our talks with the Govt. MHA, Apex & KDAleaders of Ladakh had a broad consensus on restoring democracy with a tailor made legislative body.

Article 371 of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions and autonomy to certain states and regions to protect their cultural identity, land rights, local employment, and administrative systems. The current discussions aim to apply similar protections to Ladakh.

Separately, Wangchuk voiced support for the viral "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP), humorously stating he identifies with its message but is not a formal member. Meanwhile, the CJP faced a setback as Karnataka police denied permission for a proposed event, a decision the state home minister attributed to police discretion. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged a crackdown, claiming the group's social media accounts and website have been compromised.

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I am neither unemployed nor am I lazy. So sadly, I am not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach.