Sonam Wangchuk arrested days after violence in Ladakh claimed 4 lives

Sonam Wangchuk

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was on Friday arrested by Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA), days after violent protests in Ladakh killed four people and left over 90 injured, according to a report by CNN-News18. Wangchuk has been accused of inciting mob with provocative statements during his hunger strike for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth schedule and for statehood.

The development comes a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) founded by Wangchuk with "immediate effect".

The action of the ministry was based on several alleged discrepancies detected in the accounts of the organisation including a fund transfer from Sweden which the ministry found was against "national interest".

'Jailing me may cause more problems'

Sonam Wangchuk, in an interview with PTI on Thursday, said his imprisonment could create more problems for the government than his freedom.

“I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years,” he told PTI and added that “I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.”

Ladakh protests

Violence broke out in Leh on Wednesday during the statehood movement for Ladakh led by Wangchuk, with incidents of arson and street clashes leaving four dead and more than 90 injured.

Home Ministry blames Wangchuk

The home ministry had blamed Wangchuk, a senior member of Leh Apex Body (LAB) which along with Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is spearheading the agitation in support of the demands for the past over five years, for provocation leading to the violence.

The government blamed Wangchuk for provocative speeches (including references to “Arab Spring-style protests" and “Gen Z protests in Nepal") that allegedly incited the mob.

In an official statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh."

It added, “It is well known that government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders."

(With agency inputs)