Ladakh has once again been at the center of a political storm. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody on Friday by Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA), days after protests in the region turned violent, leaving four dead and over 90 injured. Following his arrest, Wangchuk was shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan.
The protests, led by Wangchuk alongside the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demanded full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Wangchuk had also staged a 15-day hunger strike, starting September 10, to press these demands, which he ended on September 24, citing concerns over escalating violence.
Government Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused Wangchuk of delivering provocative speeches, citing references to “Arab Spring-style protests” and “Gen Z protests in Nepal,” which allegedly fueled unrest in the region. In addition, the ministry cancelled the FCRA license of Wangchuk’s NGO, further restricting its operations.
An official statement emphasized that the government has actively engaged with LAB and KDA through multiple rounds of meetings, both formal and informal, to address the statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.
Political Tensions Rise
The unrest has also sparked a political clash. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of instigating protestors and targeting BJP offices. Congress, however, refuted these claims and demanded a judicial inquiry to identify the real culprits.
Responding to the allegations, Wangchuk clarified, “The Apex Body was made apolitical weeks ago. This movement has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party. Everyone involved was acting independently to push for Ladakh’s rights.”
Next Steps
Talks between the Ladakh Apex Body and the Centre are ongoing. A second round of discussions is scheduled for September 29-30 in New Delhi, where representatives, including the Ladakh MP, are expected to participate. A High-Powered Committee meeting will follow to further deliberate on the demands.
Why It Matters
This episode has drawn nationwide attention to the ongoing struggle for constitutional recognition and statehood in Ladakh. Wangchuk’s arrest under the NSA has ignited debates over protest rights, law enforcement, and governance in sensitive border regions.
Key Highlights:
- Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA after Ladakh protests.
- Violent unrest left 4 dead and over 90 injured.
- Hunger strike lasted 15 days, demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood.
- Government blames Wangchuk for inciting violence; NGO FCRA license revoked.
- Political row between BJP and Congress intensifies.
- Talks with the Centre continue, next round set in New Delhi.