Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Following Ladakh Protests
September 26,2025 | Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh climate activist and statehood campaigner, was arrested on September 25, 2025, under the National Security Act (NSA) after violent protests in Leh that left four dead and over ninety injured.
The clashes erupted during a shutdown calling for full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Protesters set fire to government buildings and vehicles, leading to curfews in Leh.
Authorities blamed Wangchuk for inciting the violence through provocative speeches referencing the Arab Spring and youth protests in Nepal. His NGO, SECMOL, had its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license cancelled for alleged violations.
Wangchuk denied the allegations, calling them scapegoating and warned his arrest could escalate unrest. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI have launched investigations into his NGO’s foreign funding.
Political leaders have criticised the arrest, and protests supporting Wangchuk continue in Ladakh amid heightened tensions.
