Leh – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested in Ladakh after violent protests demanding statehood left four people dead and more than 80 injured on September 24. The arrest was confirmed by officials to news agency PTI on Friday.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Wangchuk was taken into custody by a police team led by Director General of Police S. D. Singh Jamwal. His detention followed the cancellation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of his NGO, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), over alleged violations in foreign funding and reporting.
Protests and Violence
The demonstration, organised as part of the statehood for Ladakh movement, turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. Protesters clashed with police and reportedly vandalised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in the city.
Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, restricting gatherings of five or more persons in Leh district.
Apex Body’s Stand
The Apex Body Leh, leading the agitation, said the violence was caused by a section of youth who acted against the directions of senior leaders.
“Our movement is peaceful and non-violent. On September 24, a large number of youth joined and some vandalised the BJP office despite our appeals,” a member of the group told PTI. The body denied claims that Wangchuk instigated violence, calling allegations of foreign involvement or weapon seizures “false narratives.”
Government Statement
The Union home ministry said the unrest was fuelled by “provocative statements” from Wangchuk and “politically motivated individuals.” It noted that the government has been holding talks with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High Powered Committee (HPC).
“Certain individuals were unhappy with the progress under HPC and tried to sabotage the dialogue process,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that the situation was brought under control by 4 p.m. on September 24 and urged the public not to circulate old or misleading videos.
The next meeting of the High Powered Committee is scheduled for October 6, with additional discussions planned in late September.
The Chenab Times News Desk