Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police two days after protests in Ladakh turned violent.
The arrest took place following demonstrations demanding statehood for Ladakh and the inclusion of Leh under the Sixth Schedule.
Wangchuk had been on a fortnight-long hunger strike, which he called off after violence erupted on Wednesday.
Violence During Protest
The protest escalated into violence, resulting in four fatalities.
Following the unrest, authorities suspended internet services in Leh, impacting communications in the region.
Official Response
The Ministry of home Affairs (MHA) held Wangchuk responsible for the violence.
The MHA revoked the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) licence of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which Wangchuk founded, with immediate effect.
Investigation and Legal Actions
Wangchuk is suspected of money laundering, though the exact charges remain unclear at this time.
His other initiative, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), is under a cbi inquiry for alleged violations of FCRA norms.
The arrest was conducted by a Ladakh police team led by Deputy General of police S D Singh Jamwal.
Background on Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk is a prominent climate activist and educator known for his efforts in sustainable education and development in Ladakh.
He has previously founded SECMOL, an organization aimed at promoting education and cultural awareness in the region.
HIAL, another of his initiatives, focuses on innovative, sustainable solutions for Himalayan communities.
Impact on the Region
Internet suspension in Leh has disrupted communication and public access to real-time information.
The revocation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence may affect funding and ongoing projects for education and climate-related initiatives in Ladakh.
Wangchuk’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions over Ladakh’s political status and autonomy under the Sixth Schedule.
Summary
Sonam Wangchuk, a respected climate activist and founder of SECMOL and HIAL, has been arrested following violent protests in Leh.
Authorities have blamed him for the unrest, canceled organizational licenses, and launched investigations under the FCRA and money laundering suspicions.
The arrest and related actions have created a significant impact on the local community and ongoing development initiatives in Ladakh.
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