Ladakh police on Friday arrested climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, two days after protests in Leh demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion for the Union Territory turned violent.
Wangchuk, who has been the face of recent demonstrations in Ladakh demanding statehood and protection of tribal rights, was detained before his press conference scheduled for 2:30 pm.
His arrest was carried out by a police team led by Ladakh DGP S. D. Singh Jamwal.
On Wednesday, the agitation turned violent, leaving four people dead and several others injured. Internet services in Leh have since been suspended to maintain order.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has held Wangchuk responsible for the violence, accusing him of making “provocative statements.”
On Thursday, the ministry also cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an NGO headed by Wangchuk, citing “financial irregularities.”
Wangchuk, internationally recognised for his environmental work and education reforms, has become a key figure in Ladakh’s political struggle.
Protesters have demanded that the region be brought under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal communities.
Authorities have increased security presence in Leh, where the situation remains tense following Wangchuk’s arrest.
