Sonam Wangchuk, arrested after Ladakh violence, sent to Jodhpur jail

National news:  Events have taken a new turn following the recent violent protests in Ladakh. Activist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police on Friday under the National Security Act (NSA) and subsequently sent to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Wangchuk is accused of making inflammatory statements during the ongoing protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, which incited violence.

Four people died in the demonstration 

Four people were killed and over 90 injured in recent protests in Ladakh. Wangchuk, along with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, was demanding constitutional rights for the region. In response, he began a hunger strike on September 10th, which he ended on September 24th after violence escalated.

The Home Ministry issued a statement on the matter, stating that the government has already held several rounds of discussions, both formally and informally, with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The ministry alleged that Wangchuk incited the crowd by citing examples such as the "Arab Spring" and "Gen Z protests in Nepal" in his speeches. Furthermore, the FCRA license of his NGO has been revoked.

Meanwhile, top Ladakh organizations have also confirmed the resumption of talks with the Home Ministry. The first meeting took place in Leh on September 25th, while the second is expected to take place in Delhi on September 29th or 30th. Seven representatives, including Ladakh MPs, will participate. A high-powered committee will subsequently discuss the matter further.

Political controversy deepens

Meanwhile, the entire incident has sparked a political controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party accused Congress councilor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of inciting protesters to attack the BJP office and government property. BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that Tsepag was seen leading the mob with a weapon.

Congress Demands Probe, Rejects Allegations

However, the Congress party has categorically rejected these allegations and demanded a judicial inquiry into the violence and deaths. The party says the government is making false accusations to deflect responsibility. Sonam Wangchuk himself has dismissed all allegations as baseless and stated that the movement has nothing to do with the Congress party. According to him, the Congress party was initially kept away from the movement to maintain transparency and ensure it remained completely apolitical.

This arrest could further intensify the Ladakh movement, as the people there have long been adamant about the Sixth Schedule and full statehood. Sonam Wangchuk's arrest has not only fueled local discontent but also sparked intense debate within political circles.