Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was agitating for statehood for Ladakh, has been released. The Home Ministry ended his detention under NSA. He was arrested on charges of inflammatory speech following violent protests.
New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk, the face of the Ladakh movement and a well-known social activist, has been released. The Home Ministry of the Central Government has decided to end his detention immediately. This action has been taken using the powers granted under the National Security Act (NSA). Sonam was arrested during the agitation demanding statehood for Ladakh. Serious charges like treason were also leveled against him. Wangchuk is an activist and academician who is one of the most prominent faces demanding statehood and constitutional protection for Ladakh.
What is the history of this movement in Ladakh?
After separation from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh became a Union Territory, but it does not have its own elected assembly or Chief Minister. An Autonomous District Council is elected in every district of Ladakh, but it does not have any special administrative powers. This is the root of this entire movement. Since 2021, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), comprising social, political and religious groups of Ladakh, have together been demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Along with this, he also demanded creation of two Lok Sabha seats and Ladakh Public Service Commission. This is where these protests started.
Sonam Wangchuk’s role in Ladakh movement
Sonam always remained at the forefront of this movement in Ladakh that started in 2021. In January 2023, when he fasted in sub-zero temperatures, the entire country’s attention was drawn to the issue. After this, the central government called him for talks, but even after several rounds of talks, no result was achieved. In February 2023, he took the movement to Delhi and surprised everyone by announcing a fast unto death. In September 2024, he took out a long march to the capital Delhi with about 1000 people. In October 2024, Delhi Police detained many protesters including Sonam. Talks started again in March 2025, but this time too they remained inconclusive. After this, in September 2025, Wangchuk along with 14 other members started a 35-day hunger strike. This time he rejected the government’s proposal for talks and said that now only decisive talks will take place.
On September 24, the youth wing of LAB announced a bandh in Leh. The bandh turned violent. There were clashes between protesters and police, BJP office was set on fire. The police released tear gas shells and lathicharged. Four people died and about 50 people were injured in police firing. After this, Sonam Wangchuk ended her fast and appealed for peace. In the following days, curfew was imposed in Leh and Ladakh and internet was shut down. Soon after, Leh Police arrested Sonam Wangchuk for giving ‘provocative speech’. His arrest was made under the National Security Act (NSA).