Leh Clashes: Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under NSA

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained on Friday under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly instigating protests that turned violent in Leh, where four people died and over 70 were injured during a peaceful shutdown demanding statehood for Ladakh.

However, officials have yet to confirm whether Wangchuk will be held in a jail or another facility.

The violence erupted on Wednesday, prompting officials to impose a curfew in Leh.

Wangchuk, who had been on a two-week hunger strike to press for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, called off his protest following the clashes.

On Thursday, the government accused Wangchuk of fueling the unrest through "provocative statements." They also pointed to "politically motivated" groups, dissatisfied with ongoing talks between officials and Ladakhi leaders, as contributors to the violence.

Ladakh faced unprecedented violence on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in four deaths and over 80 injuries, including police personnel.

A curfew was enforced in Leh, vehicles were set ablaze, and security forces resorted to teargas and live ammunition to control the unrest. Below are ten key points outlining the causes and consequences of the turmoil:

The unrest was sparked on Tuesday evening when two hunger strikers, Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60), were hospitalised in critical condition after a 35-day fast for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Their deteriorating health prompted widespread outrage, leading to a shutdown in Leh by Wednesday morning. Crowds gathered at Martyrs’ Ground, and the situation quickly turned violent. Sonam Wangchuk, who had been fasting since September 10, acknowledged that the hospitalisations ignited the clashes, derailing his non-violent campaign.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.