Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA, Flown to Jodhpur Amid Ladakh Protests

Climate activist and Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody by police in Leh on Friday and flown to Jodhpur under the National Security Act (NSA). His arrest comes two days after violent protests demanding Ladakh’s statehood, led by Gen Z activists, left at least four dead and dozens injured.

Background of the Protest

On September 10, Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) began a 35-day hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule. The protest was intended to mark a milestone on October 2, following stalled talks with the Union Home Ministry.

Violence erupted on September 24, initially during a planned peaceful protest. Officials attributed the unrest to the health deterioration of two elderly protesters, 72-year-old Tsering Angchuk and 60-year-old Tashi Dolma, and alleged provocative speeches by those on hunger strike.

Wangchuk condemned his arrest as a “witch hunt”, calling the unrest a result of widespread frustration among Ladakh’s youth. “They may be clever in making somebody else a scapegoat, but they are not wise. At this time, we all need wisdom rather than cleverness because youth is already frustrated,” he told PTI.

Police Action and Administration Statement

Wangchuk was arrested by a team led by Ladakh Police Chief SD Singh Jamwal at 2:30 PM. The Union Territory administration stated that Wangchuk had been engaging in activities prejudicial to the state’s security and public order, despite government efforts to resume dialogue through the High-Powered Committee (HPC).

The administration cited Wangchuk’s speeches referencing Nepal agitations, the Arab Spring, and misleading videos as factors that sparked the September 24 violence, which included the burning of buildings and vehicles and attacks on police personnel. To restore order and prevent further unrest, authorities moved Wangchuk to Jodhpur.

As a precaution, mobile internet services were suspended in Leh. Chering Dorjey, vice president of LAB, said his detention could increase unease rather than restore peace. Haji Mustafa, LAB’s legal counsel, confirmed they plan to meet on Saturday to decide the next course of action.

Wangchuk remains in detention in Jodhpur, with visuals of the facility shared by news agencies like PTI.