Violence in Leh: Question on Sonam Wangchuk's role

Violence in Leh: On 24 September, an intense wave of violence in Leh shook the peaceful image of the region. The closure started to demand state status and sixth schedule protection soon became furious. By noon, the protesters entered government and BJP offices and vandalized the vehicles and clashed with the police. A van of the Central Reserve Police Force was also rescued from burning. Four people died and dozens were injured in this violence. The administration immediately implemented curfew as the mob targeted police stations and public property.

Wangchukk and land ownership dispute

The background of this violence includes the long struggle of Sonam Wangchuk. The lease of 135 acres of land allotted in 2018 for Wangchuk's Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIL) was canceled on 21 August 2025. The administration said that there was no concrete development in six years, the lease fee was outstanding and the villagers complained of encroachment. Wangchuk started a 35 -day fast, calling it political vengeance, which was associated with the widespread demand for the sixth schedule protection.

FCRA license cancellation and financial dispute

The FCRA license of Wangchuk's organization Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) was canceled. Officials alleged that foreign funds were misused, financial reporting remained inconsistent and money was invested in unauthorized activities under the license. Critics say that the doubt of Wangchuk's financial activities is not new; Since 2007, his organization has been accused of misuse of foreign contribution and occupation of government land.

Arrest and administrative reaction

Wangchuk's protest attracted widespread attention, and photos of him sitting under a blanket in the cold weather went viral in the media. On 25 September, the administration arrested him under the National Security Act (NSA). After the arrest, the administration made additional security arrangements in the city. Supporters consider it a political repression, while critics consider it a legal action.

Political polarization and social media

Sonam Wangchuk's movement was widely publicized on social media, where he was introduced as a modern Gandhi. Opponents say that this movement was politically inspired rather than organic. At the same time, supporters believe that it highlights the legitimate demands of the local people.

Ladakh's security and strategic importance

Ladakh is not only important for its natural beauty but is also sensitive from a security point of view due to its proximity to the Chinese border, scarce mineral resources and important units of the Indian Army. Any type of instability in such areas can affect not only local politics but also national security.

Violence shook the peaceful image of Ladakh

Leh's violence shook the peaceful image of Ladakh. Four people died, dozens were injured and the social and political stability of the area was questioned. Sonam Wangchuk's role is now at the center of controversies—some people consider him a reformer, while others think that he instigates. This incident affects not only local political dissatisfaction but also national security and border-regional sensitivity.