Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faces serious repercussions after authorities arrested him under the National Security Act (NSA). Detainment occurred late Friday night, shocking the people of Ladakh as Wangchuk now resides in Jodhpur Jail, Rajasthan.
Wangchuk’s arrest follows violent protests advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which have left four dead and over 90 injured due to police actions just days prior. His advocacy for climate protection amid political unrest has ignited fierce debate throughout the region.
On September 10, Wangchuk initiated a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, advancing demands for the Sixth Schedule and greater autonomy for Ladakh. However, following the violent outbreak in Leh on September 24, he ended his fast.
Social media erupted with reactions as users labelled Wangchuk’s detention a “black day” for the people of Ladakh. The call for resignations from officials, including Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta, illustrates growing discontent towards government actions perceived as overly forceful against protestors.
The midnight statement released by the Ladakh administration detailed Wangchuk’s detainment: “Sonam Wangchuk, S/o Shri Sonam Wangyal, R/o Uley Tokpo, Leh, has been detained under the National Security Act, 1980.”
The official communication cited concerns that Wangchuk had continuously engaged in activities deemed prejudicial to the state’s security and public order. Furthermore, it accused him of stirring unrest, which culminated in tragic violence.
The statement conveyed heightened concern, stating, “Despite clear communication from the Government regarding the High-Powered Committee (HPC) meeting and offers for prior discussions before the HPC, Sonam Wangchuk, with ulterior motives, continued his hunger strike.”
The Ladakh administration criticized his use of provocative rhetoric, linking his actions to the violence in Leh where protests turned into chaos. It concluded that “this episode could have been avoided” had he agreed to halt his protest amid governmental engagement.
Striking out at Wangchuk’s influence, the statement emphasized the need for peace in Leh. The administration declared, “In light of his provocative speeches and misleading content, it was not advisable to keep him in Leh District.” This marks a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict surrounding statehood.
As the controversy endures, many local residents express conflicting sentiments. While some support Wangchuk and decry the government’s response, others justify the measures taken to restore peace in a region sharply divided by calls for autonomy and reform. This incident underlines the precarious balance between activism and authority in Ladakh, a culturally rich yet politically turbulent region.
As Ladakh continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, the future of Wangchuk and the movement for statehood remains uncertain. The unfolding events demonstrate the increasing tension between grassroots mobilization and governmental authority in the sensitive region.
