Jammu and Kashmir leaders are speaking out against the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling it a blow to peaceful protest in India. On Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the detention as “very unfortunate.” Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti echoed that sentiment on X, formerly Twitter, labeling Wangchuk’s arrest “deeply disturbing.”
Mufti highlighted Wangchuk’s long history as an advocate for peace, sustainability, and truth. “He’s being punished just for demanding that promises be kept,” she wrote. She drew parallels to Kashmir’s struggles, noting that Leh now faces curfew and an internet shutdown—much like what the region has seen for years. “In today’s India, speaking truth to power comes at a heavy cost,” Mufti added. “How else could a man who stood for peace and non-violence his entire life end up behind bars?”
The arrest came after the Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of inciting violence in Leh, the main town in Ladakh. Police took him into custody Friday afternoon. Wangchuk, known for his work in education and environmental protection, joined a hunger strike on September 10. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and safeguards for the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Tensions boiled over on September 24 with unprecedented violence in Leh. Angry mobs set fire to a Central Reserve Police Force vehicle, trying to burn the personnel inside alive. They also torched the local Bharatiya Janata Party office, the Leh Apex Body headquarters, and several other vehicles. Crowds pelted security forces with stones in fierce clashes.
Wangchuk ended his hunger strike that same day as the chaos unfolded. Officials say security forces fired in self-defense, killing four protesters and injuring about 70 others. Curfew hit Leh town right away and has lasted three straight days, with no break on Friday and none planned for Saturday.
The unrest spread Thursday evening when authorities imposed curfew in Kargil and shut all schools in Ladakh until September 28. The Home Ministry also revoked the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act registration for SECMOL, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, which Wangchuk founded.
Internet services remain suspended across Ladakh since Friday, leaving an uneasy calm in Leh. Sources say authorities aim to keep the peace amid the ongoing Ladakh protests over statehood and environmental concerns.
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