Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Ladakh Violence: Full Story Behind NGO License Cancellation & Protests

Discover the full story of Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest amid Ladakh’s recent violent protests. Explore the reasons behind the NGO license cancellation, the hunger strike, and the political turmoil shaking Ladakh in 2025.

Sonam Wangchuk was arrested after violence in Ladakh. Here’s the full story behind the cancellation of the NGO’s license and the protests.

On September 26, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist and leader of Ladakh’s statehood campaign, was imprisoned after a wave of violence that had never happened before in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The arrest occurred two days after protests for constitutional and statehood protections for Ladakh turned violent, resulting in four deaths and over 80 injuries, including among police officers.

The Protests’ Background

The uprising started on September 10, 2025, when Sonam Wangchuk and other activists went on a long hunger strike. The main point of the demonstration was to demand that Ladakh be made a state and that it be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which gives tribal communities unique rights and protections. Wangchuk ended his 35-day hunger strike only after two other hunger strikers passed out and had to go to the hospital. This led to protests of sympathy all over Ladakh, especially among young people.

The Violent Clashes and What Happened Next?

What began as a peaceful shutdown on September 24, 2025, rapidly became violent when demonstrators attacked government cars, political party offices, and public property, including the local BJP headquarters. In Leh, authorities imposed curfews, and security personnel used tear gas and live ammunition to bring the crowd under control. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that Wangchuk’s “provocative speeches” incited the violence, and they referenced movements such as the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen Z demonstrations as examples.

NGO License Cancellation

After the violence, the Union Home Ministry quickly revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the NGO that Sonam Wangchuk started. The decision came after reports of wrongdoing, such as concealed bank accounts, stealing foreign money, and sending money to private companies linked to Wangchuk. The CBI and the income tax department are looking into the financial problems that have to do with SECMOL and other associated groups.

Wangchuk’s arrest and the official charges against him

The National Security Act (NSA) led to Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest just before a planned press conference. Authorities said that Wangchuk’s statements made the mob violence that killed and wounded people in Leh worse. Wangchuk called the claims a “scapegoat tactic” and said that the disturbance is caused by long-standing problems in the region that the government has not dealt with.

Effect and Current Situation

Wangchuk’s detention is a big step up in the already volatile political situation in Ladakh. The campaign for statehood has gotten a lot of attention across the country. It shows how challenging it is to maintain tribal rights and give regions more freedom while also meeting the growing desire for constitutional recognition. The ongoing investigations and political responses will probably have an impact on Ladakh’s future in terms of governance and independence.

Sonam Wangchuk is still a controversial figure in Ladakh’s changing political scene. Some people see him as a symbol of resistance, while others see him as a cause of disturbance. The situation is still changing, and many people are keeping a careful eye on how the government and local communities handle this delicate time in Ladakh’s history.

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