Sonam Wangchuk Appeals for Peaceful Protest While Detained Under National Security Act in Ladakh Statehood Movement

Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act following the violence that erupted in Ladakh recently.

From his confinement in Jodhpur jail, activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued an appeal for peace and unity, urging Ladakh's residents to maintain their statehood campaign through "true Gandhian principles of non-violence."

Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act after the violent events of September 25 in Ladakh that resulted in four fatalities. His elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, along with his attorney, Mustafa Haji, visited him at the Jodhpur correctional facility.

"I am maintaining good physical and mental health, and appreciate everyone's concern and prayers. I extend my deepest condolences to families who lost loved ones, and my thoughts are with those injured and detained. An independent judicial investigation into the deaths of our four people is necessary, and until this happens, I am willing to remain imprisoned," Wangchuk stated in a message shared through his legal counsel.

The activist has reaffirmed his commitment to the statehood demand. "I stand in complete solidarity with the Apex Body, the KDA, and Ladakh's people in our legitimate constitutional request for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood. I support wholeheartedly any actions the Apex Body takes for Ladakh's benefit. I urge everyone to maintain peace and unity while continuing our peaceful struggle—adhering to genuine Gandhian non-violent principles," he emphasized.

The Ladakh-based innovator, who received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his community-focused educational reform in the region, was detained the day after protesters clashed with security personnel in Ladakh. Several buildings were set ablaze, and four protesters, including one soldier, lost their lives during the security forces' intervention. The demonstrators have been advocating for the restoration of Ladakh's statehood and constitutional protections, including incorporation into the Sixth Schedule. Previously part of Jammu and Kashmir state, Ladakh was designated as a Union Territory in 2019 when the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and divided it into two Union Territories.

Wangchuk's spouse, Gitanjali J Angmo, has now contested his detention under the National Security Act by petitioning the Supreme Court. According to the court's schedule, the bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria will review the case tomorrow.