Why Sonam Wangchuk Was Arrested: Ladakh Admin Cites Provocative Speeches, Public Disorder

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained in Ladakh on Friday and is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail. His detention followed violent protests on September 24 demanding Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which left four people dead in the region.

Wangchuk has been a long-standing advocate for Ladakh's statehood and for granting the Union Territory Sixth Schedule recognition to safeguard tribal rights. He was actively involved in the ongoing agitation and was scheduled to deliver a speech at 2:30 pm on Friday, but authorities detained him beforehand.

Reasons Cited by Ladakh Administration

The Ladakh administration outlined that Wangchuk's actions were considered "prejudicial" to regional security and "detrimental" to maintaining peace and public order.

"It is important to restore normalcy in the peace-loving Leh Town of Ladakh. To ensure this, it is also necessary to prevent Shri Sonam Wangchuk from further acting in a manner prejudicial to maintenance of public order," the administration stated.

Officials also noted that Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for several days, which they claimed was driven by an "ulterior motive." The government reportedly offered to engage in dialogue, but Wangchuk continued his strike.

References to Nepal Agitations and Arab Spring

The administration additionally cited Wangchuk's provocative speeches and videos, claiming they contributed to unrest in Leh on September 24, when protests turned violent.

"His series of provocative speeches, references to Nepal agitations, Arab Spring, and misleading videos resulted in the violent protests of September 24 in Leh, where institutions, buildings, and vehicles were burnt down. Police personnel were also attacked, leading to the unfortunate deaths of four individuals," the release stated.

Based on these factors and specific intelligence inputs, authorities said Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA).

Opposition Reaction to Wangchuk's Detention

The detention sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties. The Congress condemned the arrest, accusing the BJP-led government of attempting to divert attention from its "abysmal failure" in maintaining law and order in Ladakh.

"The Indian National Congress condemns the arrest of noted environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. This has been done to divert attention from the BJP's failure to maintain law and order and ensure security of life and property in Ladakh," Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

Other opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also criticized the move. The AAP even held a candlelight vigil in New Delhi in support of Wangchuk.