Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday by Leh Police under the National Security Act. This arrest follows violent Ladakh protests that have resulted in four deaths and more than 90 injuries. This arrest follows days of violent demonstrations in Ladakh that resulted in four deaths and over 90 injuries.
Sonam Wangchuk was accused of inciting violence by the authorities through his provocative remarks made during his fifteen-day hunger strike. He undertook the fast to call for full statehood of Ladakh and inclusion of Ladakh under the Indian Constitution’s Sixth Schedule. Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent education reformer who began his 15-day hunger strike in September 2025 but ended it on September 24, cited increasing concerns about the escalating violence within Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk organized the protests in conjunction with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Since the creation of Ladakh in 2019, these groups have consistently demanded constitutional protections for Ladakh and its full statehood.
In an official response issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the dialogue that was ongoing with the local authorities. According to the government, it actively engages with Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliances through high-powered formal committees as well as informal meetings in order to respond to their concerns about statehood and constitution protections.
The government has directly accused Sonam Wangchuk of making incendiary speeches, which allegedly incited violence. The government specifically pointed out that Sonam Wangchuk’s references to “Arab Spring-style protests” or “Gen Z protests in Nepal” were examples of his provocative speech.
Violent protests have led to a major political dispute between the main parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party accused Upper Leh Ward Congress Councillor Phuntsog Tsepag of participating actively in violence. Amit Malviya, BJP leader, claimed that during the protests, the Congress councillor had been seen carrying weapons, leading mobs, and attacking BJP offices as well as government property.
The Congress strongly denies these allegations and demands a thorough judicial investigation into the murders as well as the violence. The party wants to know who is responsible for these deadly incidents, which have shaken this peaceful area.
Sonam Wangchuk, meanwhile, has categorically rejected all allegations against him. He also clarified that Congress played no part in the organization or support of the recent Ladakh protests. He maintains that his advocacy and hunger strike were peaceful attempts to ensure constitutional rights for Ladakhis.
Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, which brought international attention to Ladakh because of his education reforms that inspired the film “3 Idiots”, has heightened public awareness about the current political climate in the region. Sonam Wangchuk’s detention, under the NSA, which permits preventive detention and trial without trial, has raised concerns about how peaceful protest movements are handled in Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk is an environmentalist and a renowned Ladakhi education reformer. He has advocated for educational reform and sustainable development in Ladakh for more than two decades. His work on education and conservation of the environment has earned him numerous awards at national and international levels.
