Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Amid Violent Protests in Leh

Leh Protest: Amid the ongoing violent protest in Leh, activist Sonam Wangchuk got arrested today by Leh Police. The unrest in Leh turned into a violent protest and has killed four lives and injured more than 90 people as of now.

Notably, the government blamed Sonam Wangchuk for provoking speeches that allegedly incited the public.  

Government's statement on Sonam Wangchuk

“A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh," official statement of the Ministry of Home Affairs said. It further added, “It is well known that government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders."

Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Leh Protest

Amid the protest, a BJP office, several cars and a police vehicle were set ablaze by the protesters. Earlier, speaking about the protest, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, said, "We will not spare those people who have spoiled the atmosphere here." "For the past few days, a hunger strike has been going on in Ladakh. And we know that the hunger strike is a part of a democratic system. But, for the past couple of days, the way people were being incited by comparing the situation with that of Nepal and Bangladesh (uprising). Some people said they will set everything on fire and kill people … this is against democratic system."