The BRICS TimesSocial activist Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) after the violent clashes in Leh. The September 24 confrontation left four people dead and around 90 injured. Authorities allege his provocative speeches incited the mob to attack the BJP office and government property. Following the unrest, curfew was imposed, and schools and colleges were ordered shut for two days.
Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Leh Violence
Ladakh’s prominent social activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody today under the National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the recent violence in Leh. Officials are deciding whether to shift him to jail or keep him under alternative arrangements. Authorities accuse Wangchuk of provoking protestors demanding full statehood for the Union Territory.
Police Action and Restrictions in Leh
Wangchuk was arrested by a Ladakh police team led by DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal. Soon after his arrest, mobile internet services were suspended in Leh, and broadband speed was reduced as a precautionary measure.
Clashes on September 24
Violent clashes broke out in Leh on September 24, resulting in four deaths and leaving 90 people injured. Authorities immediately enforced curfew across the city, and police along with paramilitary forces ensured strict compliance. More than 50 people have been detained so far.
Closure of Schools and Law & Order Measures
The Leh District Magistrate ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers for two days. Section 144 was imposed not only in Leh but also in Kargil and other cities to maintain public order. Lieutenant Governor Kavindra Gupta chaired a high-level security review, calling the violence a conspiracy and instructing heightened vigilance.
Ministry’s Allegations Against Wangchuk
The Home Ministry blamed Wangchuk for inciting the crowd with provocative remarks. According to officials, he referred to the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen-Z movements to encourage the youth. Following his speech, demonstrators set fire to the BJP office and several government vehicles in Leh. The ministry stated, “On September 24 at 11:30 am, after Wangchuk’s speech, the mob left his hunger strike site and attacked the BJP office and Leh’s CEC office.”
Hunger Strike and Demands
Wangchuk had begun a hunger strike on September 10, demanding constitutional safeguards, greater autonomy, statehood for Ladakh, and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. However, as violence escalated on Wednesday, he ended his two-week-long fast.
Ongoing Dialogues with Regional Bodies
The government confirmed that discussions are continuing with regional groups such as the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. These talks are being held through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), subcommittees, and informal meetings to address the demands of Ladakh’s people.
