Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator, environmentalist, and education reform activist from Ladakh. He founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1988, an organisation focused on alternative education suited to the region’s culture and environment. Wangchuk is also known for his pioneering environmental initiatives such as the “ice stupa” project and for advocating sustainable development in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
- Timeline of Events: Sonam Wangchuk and the Ladakh Agitation
- September 10, 2025
- Sonam Wangchuk begins a hunger strike in Leh, demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- His fast gains attention, with students, activists, and members of civil society joining in solidarity.
- September 15–20, 2025
- The movement intensifies as more people gather in Leh to support the agitation.
- The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), leading the agitation for five years, reiterate demands for constitutional safeguards.
- September 22, 2025
- Wangchuk’s hunger strike enters its 12th day. Thousands participate in peaceful protests across Leh.
- Authorities caution against possible unrest but maintain dialogue is open.
- September 24, 2025
- Clashes erupt in Leh between protesters and security forces during a shutdown called by the LAB.
- Four people are killed, dozens injured, including 22 policemen. A BJP office, police vehicle, and several cars are set ablaze.
- Officials allege the unrest was “engineered” by vested interests and hint at links to Wangchuk’s earlier remarks referencing “Arab Spring-style protests.”
- September 25, 2025
- The Centre reveals it had already scheduled a High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting on October 6 to discuss Ladakh’s demands and had even considered preponing it.
- Officials accuse certain activists of deliberately provoking violence despite the Centre’s willingness for dialogue.
- September 26, 2025
- Sonam Wangchuk is arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).
- Authorities allege his speeches and actions contributed to the unrest.
- His NGO, SECMOL, faces cancellation of its FCRA licence over alleged irregularities in foreign funding.
- September 27, 2025
- Wangchuk is shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, reportedly for security reasons.
- Supporters continue protests demanding his release and reiterating calls for statehood and constitutional safeguards.
Over the years, he has emerged as a prominent voice for Ladakh, campaigning for constitutional safeguards, protection of the region’s ecology, and preservation of its unique identity.
Why He is in the News
Sonam Wangchuk has been at the centre of a major political and social storm in Ladakh:
- Protests and Hunger Strike
- He went on a hunger strike beginning September 10, demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal areas.
- His fast drew large support from students, activists, and civil society groups.
- Violence in Leh
- Following weeks of peaceful demonstrations, protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injuries.
- Government officials allege that the unrest was “engineered” by vested interests, and pointed fingers at some of Wangchuk’s remarks about “Arab Spring-style protests” as being provocative.
- Arrest and Legal Action
- Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) soon after the violence.
- Authorities also cancelled the FCRA licence of his NGO, SECMOL, citing violations in handling foreign contributions.
- He has been shifted from Ladakh to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, where he is under round-the-clock surveillance.
- Wangchuk’s Stand
- Wangchuk has denied allegations that he incited violence, calling the charges against him part of a “witch-hunt.”
- He maintains that Ladakhi youth were misled into confrontation due to long-standing grievances about employment, land rights, and ecological concerns.
Larger Significance
The controversy surrounding Wangchuk underscores the deep-rooted tensions in Ladakh after the region’s reorganisation in 2019. Many residents have been demanding constitutional safeguards, protection of jobs and land for locals, and environmental preservation.
The arrest of a widely respected figure like Wangchuk has intensified debate over how dissent is handled in strategically sensitive regions such as Ladakh, raising broader questions about democracy, rights, and governance in the region.
