ibn sultan
Leh,Sept. 27: The Ladakh administration on Saturday night defended the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), a day after he was moved to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Authorities alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative speeches and videos,” including references to Nepal’s political agitations and the Arab Spring, incited violence in Leh on September 24. The unrest left four people dead, several injured, and public property, including buildings and vehicles, damaged.
“To restore normalcy in the peace-loving Leh town, it was necessary to prevent Mr. Wangchuk from further acting in a manner prejudicial to public order,” the administration said in a statement. It accused him of repeatedly engaging in activities “detrimental to peace, security, and essential services.”
The activist, son of Sonam Wangyal and a resident of Uley Tokpo in Leh, was on a three-week hunger strike pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. Violence erupted on the 15th day of the fast, coinciding with the deteriorating health of two protesters.
Officials claimed the violence could have been averted had Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after the Centre resumed talks with Ladakh representatives.
The detention order has drawn sharp criticism from several political, religious, and social groups in Ladakh. Leh town remains under curfew, while Kargil observed a shutdown on Friday in solidarity. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has also been imposed in Kargil to prevent large gatherings.
