The unrest began on September 24 during protests led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, which escalated into violence. Protesters reportedly set fire to the local BJP office and damaged several vehicles, prompting police to use baton charges. Around 80 people were injured during the clashes. Wangchuk, accused of making “provocative” statements, was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail.

“Ladakh’s people, culture, and traditions are under attack by the BJP and RSS. Ladakhis asked for a voice. The BJP responded by killing four young men and jailing Sonam Wangchuk,” Gandhi tweeted.

Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal stated that police apprehended a Pakistan PIO allegedly in contact with Wangchuk. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring and Nepal protests fueled the violence, leading to the torching of the BJP office and government vehicles.

Wangchuk, known for his activism, had been on an indefinite hunger strike since September 10, demanding greater autonomy, statehood, and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh. Following the unrest, the government revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act licence of Wangchuk’s SECMOL institute, citing violations.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation condemned the arrest, calling it a “witchhunting agenda.” Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast, urging supporters to avoid violence while continuing the campaign for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguards.

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Wangchuk, a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), has been a leading voice in the movement. Along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), he has pressed for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards for more than five years. A police party led by Ladakh DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal took him into custody at 2:30 p.m. The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed him for provoking unrest that led to the violence.

However, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk rejected the allegations. He condemned the violence and distanced himself from the clashes. Moreover, he had been on a fortnight-long hunger strike in support of the demands. He ended his fast on Wednesday after the protests turned violent.

The movement seeks constitutional protection for Ladakh’s fragile environment, unique culture, and indigenous rights. In addition, supporters argue that statehood is essential to ensure fair political representation.

Wangchuk’s arrest marks a serious escalation. Consequently, it has raised new concerns among activists and citizens who fear that Ladakh’s demands may be sidelined. Meanwhile, his supporters continue to call for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

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Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the former J&K Chief Minister highlighted Ladakh’s strategic importance. “I want to tell the government that it is a border state. China is lurking, they have occupied land. It is time to resolve it quickly. The government should hold talks and resolve it,” he said.

A day earlier, Leh witnessed violent clashes that left four people dead and over 80 injured. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The unrest also saw mobs torch the BJP office and vehicles, forcing authorities to impose curfew in parts of Leh.

Farooq Abdullah warned that if the government delays, outside forces might exploit the vacuum. He stressed that engaging directly with the people of Ladakh is the only way to address their aspirations and restore peace.

Farooq Abdullah urges Centre to hold talks with Ladakh people, insisting that ignoring the region’s concerns could deepen instability and weaken India’s border security.

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Civil society groups said the Ministry should have acted earlier since the hunger strike in Leh has already entered its 13th day. People getting impatient, they stressed, as the long wait has created frustration in the region.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other residents are on a 35-day hunger strike in Leh. Their main demands are statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant it tribal status and stronger safeguards.

Lakruk warned that ignoring these demands could deepen unrest. “The Centre cannot delay talks any longer,” he said. Leaders added that the situation in Leh is tense and requires urgent political engagement.

The October 6 meeting in Delhi will test whether the Centre takes the demands seriously. Protest leaders have said they want a meaningful dialogue, not a symbolic gesture, to secure Ladakh’s political and cultural rights.

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