Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Days After Violent Ladakh Protests, Being Moved To Jodhpur Jail

Activist Sonam Wangchuk. (File pic/PTI)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday by Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA), days after violent protests in Ladakh killed four people and left over 90 injured. He is being moved to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur jail after arrest.

Wangchuk has been accused of inciting people through his provocative statements during his hunger strike for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth schedule and for statehood.

The protest, led by Wangchuk along with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, seeks full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for Ladakh.

To press these demands, Wangchuk also started a hunger strike on September 10, 2025, ending it after 15 days on September 24, citing concerns over rising violence.

Ministry Of Home Affairs Reacts To Protest

The government blamed Wangchuk for provocative speeches (including references to “Arab Spring-style protests” and “Gen Z protests in Nepal”) that allegedly incited the mob. The Home Ministry has also cancelled the FCRA certificate of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO.

In an official statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh.”

It added, “It is well known that government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders.”

Ladakh Protest Sparks Political Row

A political row has also erupted, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing a Congress councillor, Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag (Upper Leh Ward), of instigating violence during the protests. They claim he was seen participating with a weapon, leading mobs, and targeting BJP offices and government property.

BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag had “instigated” protestors who attacked the BJP office in Leh earlier this week.

However, Congress has refuted all such claims, demanding a judicial probe into the killings and the violence, seeking transparency about who is really responsible.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk, too, denied all accusations and said that the Congress had no role in the recent protests in Ladakh.

Wangchuk told ANI, “What is the name of the person who entered the BJP office? First of all, a few weeks ago, the Congress Party was removed from our Apex body so that it can remain apolitical. So you can understand that this movement has nothing to do with Congress. They were told to move away from the movement until the elections are over. Otherwise, they also have a place in it.”