Social media erupted on September 28, 2025, as #ISupportSonamWangchuk trended nationwide. The hashtag has put into the spotlight the arrest of Ladakhi innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. He was detained on September 26 during a hunger strike in support of land protection. Having been known for ice stupas and educational initiatives, Wangchuk’s detention sparked outrage amid internet blackouts in Leh and temporary court closures, raising accusations of authoritarian overreach.
Influencers amplify the movement
Prominent voices joined the conversation online. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, with over 25 million subscribers, posted: "Let's show the voice of the common people #ISupportSonamWangchuk Jai Hind". His follow-up post highlighted the long-standing injustices, and supporters shared Wangchuk's project images, heartfelt personal tributes, and the widespread calls for public advocacy. All these coalesced to transform social media from a space of passive consumption into an active, unified rallying ground.
Political leaders weigh in
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi commented: "Ladakh’s amazing people, culture, and traditions are under attack… Stop the killing. Stop the violence. Stop the intimidation. Give Ladakh a voice. Give them the 6th Schedule". Grassroots support surged as citizens questioned government inaction and noted the irony of arrests amid ongoing cultural events.
Netizens' petitions call
A Change.org petition, amassing over 6,500 signatures, demands Wangchuk’s release and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Organizers urged, "Let's stand with those they silence – or soon, no one will stand for us #ReleaseSonamWangchuk #ISupportSonamWangchuk".
The one thing that crystallizes the core conflict of the movement with certitude is the fundamental tension between environmental stewardship and state power. It is like a powerful proxy for much larger, unresolved debates, be it with regard to regional autonomy, the rights of indigenous communities, or the true picture of how limited our democratic freedoms are within the nation.
