Leh: Curfew Enforced for Fourth Day, Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Rajasthan Jail
Curfew continued for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday in Leh town as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), was reportedly shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, although authorities have yet to confirm this officially.
Wangchuk was arrested on Friday for allegedly inciting violence on September 24 in Leh, which left four protesters dead and around 70 injured after security forces opened fire in self-defence. As a precaution, the administration also suspended mobile internet services in the region.
Wangchuk has long been part of a five-year agitation demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion, statehood, and protection of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed him for the recent unrest. His arrest followed the cancellation of the FCRA registration of SECMOL, the organization he founded, citing alleged financial discrepancies and violations of the FCRA Act.
In a notification, Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal stated that the Advisory Boards constituted under the UT Public Safety Act, the Narcotics Act, and the Essential Commodities Act would also function as Advisory Boards for the NSA—a move reportedly prompted by Wangchuk’s detention. This is the first NSA detention in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory.
The cremation of two civilians killed in the unrest is taking place today. In Kargil, shops and businesses were closed following news of Wangchuk’s arrest, and Section 163 has been imposed to restrict gatherings. Despite tensions, the overall situation in Ladakh remained peaceful on Saturday morning.
Ladakh Police have filed multiple FIRs and detained over 50 individuals involved in the violence that damaged buildings, vehicles, and offices, including those of the BJP and Hill Council. A meeting between MHA officials and representatives of the Leh Advisory Board (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) took place yesterday. A preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry is scheduled in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, to be followed by a high-powered committee meeting on a four-point agenda, involving representatives from LAB, KDA, and Ladakh MP.
All educational institutions in Leh, including schools, colleges, Anganwadi centres, and coaching centres, will remain closed until September 28. Curfew enforcement continues with ITBP, CRPF, and Ladakh Police patrolling sensitive areas.
Authorities are investigating the role of outsiders, including youth from Nepal and Doda, in the violence, as well as the source of petrol bombs used to set fire to offices and vehicles. The MHA and UT administration have vowed strict action against those involved, including potential charges under the Public Safety Act (PSA). In addition to Wangchuk, two Congress councillors are under scrutiny.
To prevent further unrest, prohibitory restrictions banning gatherings of five or more people have been imposed in major towns, including Kargil, where the KDA had called a shutdown. The District Magistrate of Kargil has issued orders under Section 163, prohibiting unauthorized processions and public statements likely to disturb peace.
