Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA, Shifted From Leh to Jodhpur Jail

Leh/Srinagar | September 27, 2025 Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been leading the campaign for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday. Authorities in Leh confirmed that he was flown out of the Union Territory and lodged in a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Arrest Follows Ladakh Protests The detention came just two days after violent clashes erupted in Leh during demonstrations spearheaded by groups demanding constitutional protection for Ladakh’s land, jobs, and environment. On Wednesday, the protests turned violent, leaving four dead in police firing and over 50 people injured. Officials said the decision to invoke the NSA against Wangchuk was taken after intelligence inputs suggested he played a role in “instigating unrest.” Hunger Strike Called Off Amid Violence Wangchuk, known internationally for his climate work in the Himalayas, had been on a hunger strike as part of his peaceful protest movement. However, soon after violence broke out, he ended his fast, calling it an act of responsibility. “The decision reflects both maturity and moral responsibility. By stepping back at a volatile moment, Wangchuk sent a clear message that peace must take precedence,” a senior police official remarked. Wife Confirms Transfer to Jodhpur Wangchuk’s wife confirmed his detention under NSA, saying he had been moved out of Ladakh late Friday evening. “He has been taken to Jodhpur jail,” she told reporters, expressing concern over the secrecy and swiftness of the transfer. She also emphasized that Wangchuk’s activism has always remained peaceful, focused on climate issues and safeguarding Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. Government’s Stand The Union government, however, defended the move, claiming Wangchuk’s speeches and actions “encouraged agitators” and contributed to the breakdown of law and order in Leh. A Home Ministry official stated, “The situation demanded strong preventive action. Allowing further mobilization could have led to larger unrest.” Wangchuk himself, prior to his detention, had remarked that “a jailed Sonam Wangchuk may cause them more problems than a free one.” His words now appear prophetic, as his supporters have begun mobilizing nationwide solidarity campaigns. Broader Implications for Ladakh For years, Wangchuk has been the face of Ladakh’s civil society movement. His demand for Sixth Schedule protections stems from concerns that the region’s unique identity, environment, and resources will be at risk without constitutional safeguards. Observers warn that detaining a figure as influential as Wangchuk could intensify resentment among locals rather than ease tensions. “Suppressing his voice may backfire,” a political analyst noted, pointing out parallels with earlier crackdowns in restive regions. Peace Efforts and Future Uncertainty While the police maintain that order has been restored in Leh after Wednesday’s violence, tensions remain high. Civil society groups have condemned the use of police firing on protestors and called for an impartial probe into the deaths. For now, Wangchuk remains in judicial custody under the NSA in Jodhpur. His legal team is expected to challenge the detention in court. Meanwhile, Ladakh’s movement for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections stands at a critical crossroads, with its most prominent voice silenced—at least temporarily. Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the face of Ladakh’s movement for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, has been detained under the National Security Act. He was flown from Leh to Jodhpur jail after protests in Leh turned violent, leaving four dead and dozens injured in police firing. Wangchuk had recently ended his hunger strike, calling it an act of responsibility to prevent further unrest. His wife confirmed the transfer, voicing concern over the secrecy. The government claims his actions incited protestors, but supporters say his detention could fuel stronger resistance to protect Ladakh’s fragile identity and environment.