Tibetan government-in-exile rejects Wangchuk’s Ladakh-Tibet comparison:Says his claim that China suppressed Tibet less is far from reality

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile, has rejected activist Sonam Wangchuk’s comparison between the situation in Ladakh and Tibet. CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay said the comparison was “incorrect and far removed from reality” and did not reflect the situation of Tibetans under Chinese rule. Wangchuk made the remarks in Leh on Wednesday at an event organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association to mark the first anniversary of the violence in the region on September 24, 2025. Four people were killed in the violence. Wangchuk says Ladakh chose India because of democracy During the event, Wangchuk criticised the central government’s approach towards Ladakh since 2019. He said Ladakh chose to remain with India because people believed they would be able to live with dignity in a democratic system. Wangchuk said, “China was on one side of Ladakh and India on the other. We chose India because we believed there was democracy here and that we would be able to live with our heads held high.” He also alleged that the situation in Ladakh had created an atmosphere of fear and said it was contrary to the democratic principles that had influenced the region’s decision to remain with India. CTA says situation in Tibet is different Responding to Wangchuk, CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay said Tibet remains under what he described as China’s authoritarian rule. He said Tibetans continue to face restrictions on fundamental rights and religious freedom, while measures aimed at weakening Tibet’s distinct cultural identity are being intensified. CTA lists concerns over Tibet The CTA has raised several allegations regarding conditions in Tibet, including restrictions on cultural and religious practices, Tibetan-language education and freedom of expression. It also alleged that Tibetans face extensive surveillance and arbitrary detention, while China has sought to influence the traditional process of selecting the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. The CTA further raised concerns over restrictions on access to Tibet for independent media and foreign diplomats, as well as the environmental impact of large infrastructure projects and natural-resource exploitation. The Chinese government has consistently rejected allegations of systematic repression in Tibet and maintains that its policies have promoted economic development and improved living standards in the region. ​