Sonam Wangchuk arrested under stringent NSA days after violent protests in Ladakh over statehood demand
Ladakh protests: Days after violent clashes in Leh left four persons dead and over 70 injured, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday under the National Security Act (NSA). The authorities allege Wangchuk incited demonstrators demanding statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh. It remains undecided whether Wangchuk will be sent to jail or another location.
Following the Leh unrest on Wednesday, a curfew was imposed in the city. Wangchuk also called off his two-week hunger strike, during which he demanded statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The government accused Wangchuk of making “provocative statements” and claimed that politically motivated groups, unhappy with ongoing talks between officials and Ladakhi representatives, fueled the protests. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring and Nepal Gen Z protests incited the crowd, leading to the torching of a local BJP office and some government vehicles.
According to the Ministry, “On 24th September, around 11.30 am, a mob influenced by his speeches left the hunger strike venue and attacked a political party office and the Government Office of the CEC Leh.”
Wangchuk, known for his long-standing activism in Ladakh, began an indefinite hunger strike on September 10 demanding constitutional safeguards, greater autonomy, statehood, and Sixth Schedule status for the region. The government highlighted that discussions were ongoing with regional organisations, including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, via a High-Powered Committee, subcommittees, and informal meetings.
- With inputs from agencies
