Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday, 26 September 2025, under the National Security Act, just before he was scheduled to address the media following violent protests in Ladakh that left four dead and 90 injured.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, condemning the arrest as an attack on democracy, while government officials maintain Wangchuk incited unrest. The situation remains tense, with internet services suspended in Leh and a curfew imposed in parts of Ladakh. Wangchuk, in the meanwhile, has been shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail and placed under high security, according to media reports.

Protesters Rally for Wangchuk’s Release

At Jantar Mantar, AAP supporters, opposition leaders, and civil society members held posters and candles, demanding Wangchuk’s immediate release and restoration of constitutional rights for Ladakh. Saurabh Bharadwaj (AAP) accused the central government of betraying Ladakhi aspirations and compared the government’s actions to “games with the country’s borders.”

Atishi and Omar Abdullah joined other critics in denouncing the use of sedition laws and long preventive detention against a non-violent campaigner. Wangchuk, lauded for his environmental work, had just ended a hunger strike when the violence broke out and repeatedly called for peace, distancing himself from any incitement.

Government Crackdown and Community Fears

Officials claim that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” contributed to unrest, leading to suspension of internet in Leh, curfew measures, and Wangchuk’s transfer to a high-security ward in Jodhpur Central Jail. The Ministry of Home Affairs also cancelled the FCRA licence of Wangchuk-founded SECMOL.

Protesters had been demanding Sixth Schedule status, statehood, and job reservations, with talks scheduled before the violence erupted. The unrest reflects deep-seated anxieties among Ladakhi communities about identity, autonomy, and environmental protections, with the region’s special status revoked in 2019.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Wangchuk’s arrest and the broad restriction on protests and communications in Ladakh highlight the urgent need for dialogue and respect for civil liberties in Indian democracy. While public safety is critical, penalising non-violent activists and limiting freedoms risks fueling more division and alienation.