The arrest of Ladakh activist <a title="Sonar Wangchuk" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/ladakh-statehood-stir-turns-violent-4-dead/19783" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonam Wangchuk</a> has sharpened political and social tensions in the Union Territory, just days after violent clashes claimed four lives and injured more than 50, including security personnel.
Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee known for his campaigns on environmental and educational reforms, was taken into custody after being accused of inciting protesters through provocative remarks. His arrest came barely a day after he declared he would be &ldquo;happy to be arrested anytime&rdquo; for the cause of Ladakh&rsquo;s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The development coincides with the Ministry of Home Affairs&rsquo; decision to cancel the registration of Wangchuk&rsquo;s non-profit, Students&rsquo; Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The cancellation prevents the organisation from accessing foreign funds. Wangchuk, however, maintained that SECMOL never relied on foreign contributions and instead engaged in transparent business transactions with institutions such as the United Nations and organisations from Switzerland and Italy, paying all taxes due.
The protests demanding statehood and greater constitutional safeguards escalated earlier this week, culminating in violence. Authorities attributed the unrest to Wangchuk&rsquo;s speeches, which allegedly drew parallels with movements such as the Arab Spring and Nepal&rsquo;s youth-led demonstrations.
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ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/general/sonam-wangchuk-ladakh-s-real-life-rancho/19804
In its statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk began a hunger strike on 10 September to press for Ladakh&rsquo;s statehood and constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule. It further noted that the Centre has been in dialogue with local stakeholders, including the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), through a mix of high-powered committees, sub-committees, and informal meetings.
The arrest has sparked debate both within <a title="Ladakh" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/mha-blames-wangchuk-for-ladakh-violence/19800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ladakh</a> and at the national level. Supporters of Wangchuk view him as a voice for the region&rsquo;s marginalised aspirations, while critics argue that his rhetoric inflamed passions and destabilised an already sensitive landscape.
The timing of the government&rsquo;s move&mdash;coming just after violent protests and the cancellation of SECMOL&rsquo;s licence&mdash;has only deepened suspicions among locals that the administration is attempting to silence dissent rather than engage constructively.
For Ladakh, which has been at the centre of political debate since its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the current turmoil underlines the fragile balance between local demands, security concerns, and New Delhi&rsquo;s governance approach.

Activist’s detention deepens unrest after protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule rights

Wangchuk Arrest Triggers Ladakh Tensions

Activist’s detention deepens unrest after protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule rights

September 26, 2025 | 21:30 IST