Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faces a tough situation after authorities arrested him in Leh and quickly moved him to Jodhpur Central Jail under heavy security. This comes amid ongoing Ladakh protests demanding statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Wangchuk’s journey started Friday when police picked him up in Leh. They flew him to Delhi first, then rushed him to Jodhpur with special arrangements. A large security convoy escorted him straight from the Jodhpur Air Force Station to the Central Jail. Jail staff had prepared a separate ward for this high-profile arrival as early as 3 p.m., even though officials kept details quiet until the last minute. Around 8:30 p.m., police and Army vehicles rolled in through the Red Gate, and Wangchuk officially entered the facility.
The arrest has stirred up Leh, where tensions boiled over into violent clashes on September 24. What began as a peaceful hunger strike for Ladakh statehood turned chaotic after nearly two weeks, leaving four people dead and dozens hurt. The victims included Tsewang Tharchin, 46; Stanzin Namgyal, 24; Jigmet Dorjay, 25; and Rinchen Dadul, 21.
More than 45 people suffered injuries in the Ladakh violence, with 15 in serious condition and 30 with minor wounds, according to Ladakh DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal. Both protesters and security forces took hits. In response, officials slapped a curfew on Leh under Section 162 of the CrPC, now in its third day. They’ve also cut internet services and boosted security presence to keep things calm.
Schools and colleges in the area stay shut until Saturday. The whole push for Ladakh statehood kicked off on September 10 with that hunger strike, as locals called for constitutional safeguards to protect their region.
Wangchuk, a key voice in the Ladakh protests, had warned the government about rising anger. Just before the clashes, he said, “If the government continues to ignore our demands, unfortunately, this may happen again.” Officials blame him for sparking the violence, but they haven’t shared details on the exact charges yet. So far, police have nabbed 60 people linked to the unrest.
As Leh deals with these political and social strains, authorities urge calm and promise close watch to prevent more trouble in the statehood movement.
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