Leh statehood violence: Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail

Leh: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan after he was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).

The move comes in the aftermath of violent protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, which left four people dead and 90 injured earlier this week.

Arrest Under NSA and Security Measures

The NSA permits preventive detention without bail for extended periods. Sources indicated that Wangchuk is likely to be kept out of Ladakh for security reasons. Upon arrival at Jodhpur Central Jail, he underwent a medical examination and was placed in a high-security ward with continuous CCTV surveillance. Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu is also lodged in the same jail, though in a separate ward.

Following the arrest, internet services were suspended in Leh, and curfew measures were intensified in the region.

Background of the Protest

Wangchuk had launched a hunger strike in Leh on September 10, demanding:

• Statehood for Ladakh

• Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• Greater protection for Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem

He ended his fast on September 24, after violence broke out during protests in the town.

Political Reactions

KT Rama Rao (BRS)

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao strongly condemned the arrest, calling it a “shameful, illegal, and undemocratic act.”

“The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is deeply condemnable, shameful, and outright illegal. He is a true nationalist and a responsible citizen who is simply standing up for his beliefs. Silencing such voices is unacceptable in any democracy,” he posted on X.

He added:

“In a democracy, questioning the government’s harsh or unjust actions is not just a right, it is our duty. If governments start arresting individuals simply for raising legitimate concerns, then we are heading down a very dangerous path.”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

AAP announced a candlelight vigil at Jantar Mantar in Delhi at 7:00 pm, led by its Delhi State President Saurabh Bhardwaj.

Speaking to reporters, Bhardwaj said:

“When the people of Ladakh were demanding their rights, they were fooled for 5 years. They walked to Delhi, went on a hunger strike, and now the central government has filed a sedition case against them. If the BJP government calls the people of a border state traitors who have been fighting against China, then you are compromising with your border. The real traitors are not Sonam Wangchuk but the people sitting in the government who are playing games with the country’s borders.”

AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also criticised the government, “Ravana’s end also came. Kansa’s end also came. Hitler’s and Mussolini’s end also came. And today, people hate all those individuals. Today in our country, dictatorship is at its peak. The end of those who practice dictatorship and arrogance is very bad.”

Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi

Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi supported Wangchuk’s demands, saying “Sonam Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh are only demanding their constitutional rights, and suppressing this voice is dangerous for the unity and integrity of the country.”

He alleged that a “police raj” had been established in Leh-Ladakh.

Mehbooba Mufti (PDP)

People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti called the arrest “deeply disturbing.”

“Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest is deeply disturbing. A lifelong advocate of peace, sustainability, and truth is being punished merely for demanding that promises be kept. Today, Leh is under curfew with the internet shut down, a grim echo of what Kashmir has long endured. In today’s India, speaking truth to power comes at a heavy cost, or how else could a man who stood for peace and non-violence his entire life end up behind bars?”

Omar Abdullah (NC)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the arrest “very unfortunate.”

“He was arrested? It is unfortunate. Given the way the central government has been after them since yesterday, it seemed like something like this might happen. They were made promises, just like we were. Now I don’t understand what compels the central government to renege on promises it makes.”

He added:

“I don’t know why the central government backtracks on the promises it made to the people of Ladakh, just like promises were made to us in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Congress Reaction

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir accused the Centre of mishandling the situation while rejecting allegations of his party’s involvement in the Leh violence.

“He (Sonam Wangchuk) is a respectable man who has dedicated himself to the cause of Ladakh. This is an unwanted step. The people of Ladakh have always been known for their peace-loving nature… No Congress worker had any involvement in this violence. The local Congress unit has demanded a judicial inquiry into the whole incident. The government there mishandled the whole incident.”

Outlook

The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk has triggered widespread political reactions and protests across the country. As Ladakh remains under restrictions with internet services suspended, the case is emerging as a flashpoint over demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, and democratic freedoms in India’s border regions.