Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Leh Protests Over Statehood Turn Deadly

Leh: Ladakh activist and reformer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday amid escalating tensions in the Union Territory, two days after violent statehood protests in Leh left four civilians dead and nearly 90 others injured.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has accused Wangchuk of instigating the violence, which saw mobs set fire to government buildings and attack vehicles, forcing security forces to open fire. His arrest followed the Centre’s decision to cancel the FCRA licence of his non-profit, the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), barring it from receiving foreign contributions.

The clashes prompted the administration to impose curfew in Leh and Kargil, along with a ban on gatherings of more than five people. Police have registered multiple FIRs, detained over 50 individuals, and warned that some may face charges under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Two Congress councillors are also under investigation.

Officials said protesters used petrol bombs and resorted to arson, targeting the BJP office, the Hill Council building, and vehicles belonging to both civilians and security forces.

Those killed in the firing were identified as Tsewang Tharchin (46) of Skurbuchan, a retired Ladakh Scouts soldier; Stanzin Namgayal (24) of Igoo; Jigmet Dorjay of Kharnakling; and Rinchen Dadul (21) of Hanu. Their bodies were handed over to their families on Thursday.

Of the nearly 90 injured, at least seven are in serious condition, while 20 sustained major trauma. One person was airlifted to New Delhi for treatment. Eighteen others remain hospitalised, including seven who underwent major surgeries.

The Leh district administration has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for two days from September 26. Authorities are also probing the role of outsiders, including youths from Nepal and Jammu’s Doda district, who were among those injured during the protests.

In neighbouring Kargil, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) called for a shutdown, prompting authorities to extend prohibitory orders to the region. Heavy security has been deployed in both Leh and Kargil to prevent further unrest.