Leh: Two days after violent protests rocked Ladakh, killing four and injuring over 90, activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by the Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday.
Wangchuk has been accused of inciting people through his provocative statements during his hunger strike for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and its statehood.
Wangchuk, along with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has been seeking full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. He went on a hunger strike to press his demands on September 10, ending it after 15 days on September 24, citing concerns over rising violence.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has 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 MHA said: “A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) Sixth Schedule (of Constitution) and statehood for Ladakh.”
“It is well known that the 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,” it added.
The protests in Ladakh took a political turn after a BJP office was burnt. The BJP has accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag from the Upper Leh Ward of instigating violence during the protests. The party claimed that he was seen moving around with a weapon, leading mobs, and targeting BJP offices and government property.
The Congress, however, refuted the accusations, demanding a judicial probe into the killings and the violence, seeking transparency about who is really responsible. The Congress has also threatened legal action against those who spread misinformation about Tsepag and the party.
Wangchuk also denied the Congress’ role in the recent protests.
“What is the name of the person who entered the BJP office? First of all, a few weeks ago, the Congress Party was removed from our Apex body so that it can remain apolitical. So, you can understand that this movement has nothing to do with the Congress. They were told to move away from the movement until the elections are over. Otherwise, they also have a place, he told news agency ANI.
