Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people including an ex-serviceman, during the recent protests in Leh demanding the&nbsp;restoration of Ladakh&rsquo;s statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
Wangchuk&rsquo;s message, delivered through his brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and lawyer Mustafa Haji, who met him at the Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday, urged the people of Ladakh to maintain peace and unity.
&ldquo;I urge my fellow Ladakhis to continue our struggle in the true Gandhian way of non-violence,&rdquo; Wangchuk said, adding that he was &ldquo;prepared to stay in jail&rdquo; unless an independent probe was ordered into the killings.
The Ramon Magsaysay awardee, known globally for his work in education, sustainability, and climate resilience in the Himalayas, expressed solidarity with the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)&nbsp;both of which have been leading the movement for constitutional safeguards and restoration of full statehood.
&ldquo;Whatever actions the Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them, wholeheartedly,&rdquo; Wangchuk said in his message.
In a letter to supporters, the activist assured he was &ldquo;doing well, both physically and mentally,&rdquo; and extended condolences to the families of those who died in the Leh violence.
&ldquo;My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and my prayers are with the injured and the arrested,&rdquo; he wrote.
The Leh Apex Body and KDA have both withdrawn from talks with the Union Home Ministry, demanding a judicial inquiry into the violence and the immediate, unconditional release of all detainees, including Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea filed by Wangchuk&rsquo;s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention under the NSA. The petition describes his arrest as &ldquo;illegal and unconstitutional&rdquo; and seeks his immediate release.
Wangchuk&rsquo;s detention has sparked widespread concern and solidarity across India and among Ladakhis abroad, reigniting the debate over Ladakh&rsquo;s political future and the promises of autonomy made after it was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019.

Wangchuk Demands Probe, Backs Ladakh’s Statehood

In jail under NSA, Sonam Wangchuk urges calm and seeks justice for slain protesters

Wangchuk Demands Probe, Backs Ladakh’s Statehood

In jail under NSA, Sonam Wangchuk urges calm and seeks justice for slain protesters

October 5, 2025 | 12:56 IST