Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody by Leh police on Friday, two days after violent protests in the town left four civilians dead and several others injured.
According to the MHA, Wangchuk’s speeches during his ongoing hunger strike in Leh included references to the Arab Spring and student protests in Nepal, which the ministry says inflamed public sentiment and contributed to the escalation of violence on September 24.
Protesters attacked government offices, set vehicles on fire, and clashed with security forces, who opened fire in response.
Reacting to the arrest, Sajjad Kargili, a leader of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), said, “On my way to Leh, I just heard about the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk on baseless charges. I strongly condemn this crackdown on Ladakhi leadership. Our struggle for Statehood and 6th Schedule will continue—no detention or witch-hunt can deter us.”(KNS).
