Two days after violence erupted in Leh claiming 4 lives and rendering over 90 injured, activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday by Leh Police. 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.
Wangchuk arrested on under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting the demonstrators who were demanding statehood for the Union Territory.Though it is yet to be decided whether Wangchuk will be taken to a jail or some other location.
Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, who faces allegations of inciting a mob with provocative statements, has been arrested a day after he said he would be "happy to be arrested anytime for this cause".The arrest also comes a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the registration of Wangchuk's non-profit 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL) to receive funds from abroad under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA, 2010.
The activist from the mountainous region who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 has denied all the allegations made by the Centre and the Union Territory's administration, following the violence two days ago that left four dead and over 50 including security personnel injured.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.A political row also erupted after the protest led by Wangchuk turned violent. 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.
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."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been 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. However, Congress has refuted all such claims, demanding a judicial probe into the killings and the violence, seeking transparency about who is really responsible.
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