Yash Khajuria
Leh, Sept 26: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday by Leh Police, reportedly under the National Security Act (NSA), sources said. The arrest comes just days after violent protests in Ladakh left four people dead and over 90 injured. Wangchuk has been accused of inciting people through provocative statements made during his hunger strike demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and full statehood.
According to sources privy to the development, Wangchuk—who was scheduled to join a press conference by the Leh Apex Body at Abduz Hotel in Leh—was detained by police at his residence and prevented from attending. Sources further indicated that he may be shifted out of Ladakh, possibly to J&K or Delhi, though local police were awaiting official orders for his transportation.
Earlier in the morning, Wangchuk had invited journalists to a Zoom session of the press conference, scheduled for 2:30 PM, but the event could not be broadcast live. His absence fueled speculation that he had already been detained.
While members of the Apex Body did not publicly comment on his absence, sources confirmed that he was taken into custody before he could attend. The protest movement, led jointly by Wangchuk, the Leh Apex Body, and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is demanding full statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
The Director General of Ladakh Police declined to comment on the exact charges against Wangchuk, but sources suggested a formal statement would be issued later in the day.
Wangchuk had launched a hunger strike on September 10, 2025, which he called off after 15 days on September 24, citing escalating violence. The government accused him of making provocative remarks during the protest, including references to “Arab Spring-style protests” and “Gen Z protests in Nepal,” which allegedly incited mobs.
The arrest comes just two days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a strongly worded statement blaming Wangchuk for delivering inflammatory speeches that undermined dialogue between Ladakh’s leaders and the Centre. The MHA alleged that his references to international uprisings contributed to the violent escalation on September 24, when protesters attacked government offices, set vehicles ablaze, and clashed with security forces. Police firing in response left four civilians dead.
Sources said Wangchuk was initially taken to a local police station for questioning. Though he has not been formally charged, sources indicated he could face cases related to unlawful assembly and incitement. His detention is part of a wider crackdown, with over 50 people arrested so far, including several from outside Ladakh — among them Nepalese nationals and residents of Doda district — as investigators probe possible external involvement in the violence.
The action against Wangchuk also extended to his NGO. On Thursday, the MHA cancelled the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the organisation he co-founded, citing alleged violations of funding regulations.
Wangchuk, who is internationally recognised for his work in sustainable education and climate activism, rejected the allegations before his arrest. In a video statement, he accused the government of scapegoating him. “Jailing me will not solve the crisis. If anything, it will deepen alienation and create more problems,” he said, insisting that he had consistently urged protesters to remain peaceful.
Opposition parties and civil society voices in Ladakh warned that his detention could further inflame tensions. “Instead of addressing the genuine demand for constitutional safeguards, the government is targeting a respected voice of Ladakh,” said a local councillor in Leh.
