The Ladakh administration has defended its decision to arrest climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, stating his actions were "prejudicial to the security of the region" and posed a threat to peace and public order. The arrest on Friday came just hours before Wangchuk was scheduled to deliver a public address at 2:30 PM in Leh. He is currently being held in Jodhpur Central Jail, having been booked under the National Security Act (NSA).
In an official release, the Ladakh administration asserted that Wangchuk’s speeches and protest activities were directly linked to violent demonstrations in Leh on 24 September, which tragically led to the deaths of four individuals. “His series of provocative speeches, references to Nepal agitations, the Arab Spring, and misleading videos resulted in the violent protests of September 24 in Leh,” the statement read.
The violence saw government buildings, institutions, and vehicles set on fire, and also involved assaults on police personnel. The administration claimed that Wangchuk’s rhetoric was a major contributing factor to the escalation of tensions in the Union Territory.
Sonam Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for several days leading up to his detention. According to the authorities, the strike was not merely a peaceful protest, but part of a broader agenda. “His hunger strike, though appearing peaceful, was driven by an ulterior motive,” said a senior official. Officials stated that Wangchuk’s activities, especially in the days preceding the violence, had become a catalyst for unrest in the usually calm Leh region.
The administration emphasised the need to restore calm and prevent further incitement. “It is important to restore normalcy in the peace-loving Leh Town of Ladakh. To ensure this, it is also important to prevent Shri Sonam Wangchuk from further acting in a manner prejudicial to maintenance of public order,” the government release added.
Wangchuk’s arrest triggered a political firestorm, with multiple opposition parties criticising the BJP-led central government for what they called an attack on democratic dissent.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh strongly condemned the action, stating, “The Indian National Congress condemns the arrest of noted environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. This has been done to divert attention and responsibility from the BJP's abysmal failure to maintain law and order and ensure security of life and property in the Union Territory of Ladakh.”
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also denounced the detention and held a candlelight vigil in New Delhi in solidarity with Wangchuk. The Trinamool Congress similarly criticised the government's move, calling it an undemocratic crackdown on peaceful activism.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been at the forefront of the movement demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which seeks to safeguard the rights of tribal communities. His campaign has gained significant traction in recent years, with repeated calls for the central government to protect Ladakhi identity, environment, and indigenous rights.
