New Delhi/Leh, September 26: Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested following allegations that he incited a mob during recent protests in Leh, which left four dead and over 50 people, including security personnel, injured. The arrest came a day after Wangchuk, who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, said he would be “happy to be arrested anytime for this cause.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also cancelled the FCRA registration of Wangchuk’s non-profit, SECMOL, citing alleged foreign contributions, which the activist denied, clarifying that his organisation conducted lawful transactions with international bodies and paid all taxes.
The MHA claimed Wangchuk broke his hunger strike and left for his village without taking action to control the escalating violence. Wangchuk has been demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The incident highlights growing tensions in Ladakh, which celebrated Union Territory status in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, as demands for statehood intensify amid speculation of local and external influences in the unrest. (Agencies)
