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Key Points

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested following deadly protests in Leh. The Union Home Ministry claims he instigated the violence that left four people dead. His organization, SECMOL, also had its foreign funding license cancelled by the government. Authorities have imposed a curfew and detained dozens while investigating the role of outsiders.

Key Points: Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested After Leh Statehood Protests

  • MHA cancels FCRA license of Wangchuk's SECMOL non-profit amid investigation
  • Four civilians killed in security force firing during violent statehood protests
  • Curfew imposed in Leh and Kargil with over 50 people detained by police
  • Mobs targeted BJP office and Hill Council building with arson and petrol bombs
2 min read

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk arrested after Leh violence

Sonam Wangchuk arrested as MHA blames him for Leh violence that killed 4. SECMOL's FCRA license cancelled, curfew imposed, and over 50 detained.

"The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directly blamed Wangchuk for instigating the unrest. - MHA"

Leh, Sep 26

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday, two days after violent protests demanding statehood rocked Leh, leaving four people dead and nearly 90 others injured.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directly blamed Wangchuk for instigating the unrest.

The arrest also comes a day after the MHA cancelled the registration of Wangchuk's non-profit 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL) to receive contributions from abroad under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA, 2010.

Following the clashes, curfew was imposed in Leh and Kargil to restore order. Ladakh Police have registered multiple FIRs and detained over 50 people.

Officials said that mobs resorted to arson, targeting the BJP office, the Hill Council building, and several vehicles, including those belonging to security forces. Petrol bombs were reportedly used in the attacks.

The four civilians killed in security force firing have been identified as Tsewang Tharchin, 46, of Skurbuchan, a retired Ladakh Scouts soldier; Stanzin Namgayal, 24, of Igoo; Jigmet Dorjay of Kharnakling; and Rinchen Dadul, 21, of Hanu. Their bodies were handed over to their families on Thursday.

Among the 90 injured, seven sustained serious injuries and 20 suffered major trauma. One critically injured person was airlifted to New Delhi for treatment, while 18 remain hospitalised, including seven who underwent major surgeries.

The Leh district administration has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, coaching centres and Anganwadi centres for two days starting September 26. Authorities are also probing the role of outsiders, including youth from Nepal and Jammu’s Doda district, some of whom were among the injured.

The MHA and the UT administration have warned of strict action against those involved in the violence, with some likely to face charges under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Police sources said two Congress councillors are also under investigation for their alleged role.

Meanwhile, to prevent further escalation, prohibitory orders banning the assembly of more than five people have been imposed across Leh and extended to Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called for a shutdown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Violence is never justified, but when peaceful protests are ignored for years, people get frustrated. The loss of lives is tragic. Hope the authorities investigate properly and find a peaceful solution.
A
Aditya G
The government needs to be careful here. Ladakh has unique challenges - environmental, cultural, and now political. Canceling FCRA registration right before arrest seems suspicious timing. Due process must be followed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Ladakh last year, I saw firsthand how passionate people are about preserving their culture and environment. The situation is complex - hope peace returns soon. 🙏
K
Karthik V
While I support Ladakh's development rights, burning buildings and attacking vehicles is unacceptable. The police had to control the situation. Hope the investigation reveals the complete truth.
N
Neha E
My heart goes out to the families of those killed. A retired soldier among the dead - this is so tragic. The government must ensure compensation and proper investigation into the firing incidents.
M
Michael C
The mention of outsiders from Nepal and Jammu being involved complicates things. Hope the authorities handle this sensitively without blaming the entire Ladakhi community for the actions of a few.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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