Leh: Two days after protests in Leh demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule turned violent, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday. Wangchuk was scheduled to hold a press conference at 2:30 pm on Friday, but was arrested before he could speak to the media.
Following Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, internet services have also been suspended in Leh. Regarding his arrest, an official said that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by a Ladakh police team led by DGP SD Singh Jamwal.
Demand for full statehood for Ladakh
The climate activist and innovator was leading a protest demanding full statehood for Ladakh and recognition as a Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule to protect tribal rights. The protest turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. The government had blamed Sonam Wangchuk for the violence that erupted in Leh.
Strict Action Against Sonam Wangchuk
Earlier, on Thursday, the Home Ministry took strict action against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, revoking the FCRA license of the organization he founded, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh.
The Home Ministry also cited irregularities in his organization’s financial activities. It is alleged that his organization had received funding from Sweden in violation of regulations. The Ministry described this as against national interest.
Sonam Wangchuk denied all these allegations.
Sonam Wangchuk, meanwhile, has denied all these allegations. He said that the government is deliberately portraying this matter in such a way as to imprison him. Sonam said that his life is also in danger. He said that the government is making arrangements to imprison him for two years, but he is not afraid and is prepared for it. He also said that his imprisonment will increase the government’s problems, not decrease them.
