Sonam Wangchuk Claims Leh Turned Into 'War Zone', Govt Wants To 'Brand Ladakhis As Anti-Nationals'

Sonam Wangchuk claimed that peaceful protesters were coerced into signing bonds at the police station and faced threats of arrest.

New Delhi: Ahead of the Pashmina march along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on April 7, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed apprehension over the alleged targeting of peaceful youth leaders in Leh. Citing instances of what he described as the use of "disproportionate force, barricades, and smoke grenades," the environmental activist voiced concerns that Leh is being transformed into a hostile environment akin to a "war zone".

In a nearly 6-minute video posted on X on Saturday, the climate activist recounted an incident where several people were reportedly apprehended from the protest site and taken to the local police station.

Wangchuk claimed that these people were coerced into signing bonds at the police station and faced threats of arrest. However, according to Wangchuk, the situation de-escalated after religious leaders from various faiths intervened on their behalf at the police station.

“Attempts to arrest peaceful youth leaders even singers continue. Seems they want to turn a most peaceful movement violent and then brand Ladakhis as anti-nationals," he said.

“The government is only worried about Ladakh's effects on their votes and mining lobbies," he added.

Soon after Wangchuk announced plans for the ‘Pashmina march’, the Ladakh administration imposed Section 144 in Leh on Friday. This move was met with strong opposition from Wangchuk, who argued that peaceful protests had been ongoing for weeks without any need for such stringent measures in the region.

“It is desirable that any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity or danger to human life be immediately prevented. Therefore, 1, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, District Magistrate, Leh satisfied with the report of Sr. Superintendent of Police, Leh and in the exercise of powers vested in me under Section 144 of CrPC, 1973,” the order passed by District Magistrate, Santosh Sukhadeve stated.

Recently, Wangchuk concluded a 21-day fast, during which he sustained himself solely on salt and water. The purpose of his fast was to advocate for Ladakh's statehood and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which, according to him, would help safeguard the ecologically delicate region.