Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Leh Protests

On Sept. 24–25, protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh, Sixth Schedule protections, separate Lok Sabha seats and job reservations turned violent, leaving at least four people dead and dozens injured. Mobs ransacked the BJP office and burned vehicles while police used tear gas, baton charges and later opened fire — which authorities said was in self‑defence — and curfews, restrictions on gatherings and a mobile internet suspension were imposed as security forces were deployed. The Centre and Ladakh's lieutenant governor blamed vested interests and alleged outside instigation even as officials said the situation was largely under control by about 4 p.m. On Sept. 26, engineer and activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested and detained under the National Security Act, accused of inciting unrest through speeches and videos and moved out of the Union Territory to Jodhpur Central Jail. The Union Home Ministry revoked the FCRA licence of Wangchuk's NGO SECMOL, and central agencies including the CBI and Income Tax Department have been reported probing alleged financial irregularities. His arrest drew criticism from politicians, activists and public figures as suppression of dissent, while the government said dialogue on regional demands through a High‑Powered Committee would continue.