Internet services in Leh were shut down on Friday after the arrest of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, as reported by News18. Wangchuk was arrested around 2.30 pm by a police party headed by Ladakh DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal, officials said. The action was taken in the backdrop of escalating unrest in Ladakh, where protests for statehood and constitutional protection turned violent earlier this week.
Hunger strike and rising tensions
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, Wangchuk initiated a hunger strike on September 10 to demand for Ladakh's statehood and to have it brought under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides protections for tribal areas. He broke his fast on September 24 after 15 days due to fears of escalating violence. Even though he called for nonviolent protests, tensions flared on Wednesday when protesters set cars ablaze and police vans near the protest site. Security forces fired in what officials called self-defense, resulting in four dead and over 90 wounded.
Government criticism and curfew regulations
The home ministry accused Wangchuk of issuing provocative remarks that fueled the unrest. His NGO also hit a roadblock as its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificate was revoked, News18 reported. Following the increasing violence, curfews have been enforced in various areas of Ladakh to avert further confrontations. Protesters are not only seeking statehood but also quotas in jobs and stronger local governance to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecology and tribal interests.
Wangchuk, a prominent environmental activist, responded by stating the violent protests reflected deep frustration with the federal government. As authorities struggle to contain tensions, the arrest of one of Ladakh’s most respected voices has further inflamed public sentiment, leaving the region on edge.
