Leh: Activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained in Jodhpur Central Jail, is demanding an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people during recent protests in Leh. The protests, which took place on September 24, 2025, involved demonstrators seeking statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following the violent clashes, has stated that he will remain incarcerated until his demand for an impartial investigation is met. He has reaffirmed his commitment to the cause and urged supporters to engage in peaceful, non-violent struggle.
The September 24th protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in the deaths of four people, including an ex-serviceman, due to police firing. In the aftermath, Ladakh's Director General of Police (DGP), SD Singh Jamwal, defended Wangchuk's arrest, alleging that his protest platform provided an environment for violence to erupt. Jamwal also stated that authorities are investigating a possible link between Wangchuk and Pakistan, citing his past visits across the border and alleged interactions with officials based in Islamabad. According to DGP Jamwal, a Pakistan PIO (Person of Indian Origin) linked to Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested and is under investigation. He stated that the PIO was in contact with Wangchuk and was allegedly reporting information back across the border.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, asserting that Wangchuk's arrest is illegal and that he should be released immediately. She has also reached out to President Murmu seeking his release. Gitanjali has questioned the imposition of the NSA on Wangchuk, stating that she has not received the detention order, which she claims is a violation of the law. She has also denied the accusations against her husband, refuting claims of his connections to Pakistan and alleging that he has been framed on false charges.
DGP Jamwal stated that Wangchuk was creating obstacles and "sabotaging" the decision-making process regarding the Sixth Schedule status and statehood, while the government is already in discussion with the Leh Apex Body and KDA. He said that around 5,000-6,000 protesters poured into Leh’s streets damaging government buildings, attacking a BJP office, and setting vehicles ablaze. Security forces responded with tear gas, baton charges, and firing, leaving 17 CRPF personnel and more than 70 civilians injured.
