Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre Over Sonam Wangchuk's Detention
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government on a plea filed by the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act. Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on September 26 following protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, during which four people were killed in police firing. Wangchuk has stated from jail that he is prepared to remain incarcerated until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the deaths.
Unpacked:
Protesters are demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards, specifically the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant greater autonomy over land, resources, and local governance to protect the region’s environment and cultural identity.
Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act following allegations that his actions and speeches during the protests incited violence and were “prejudicial to the State and detrimental to the maintenance of peace,” according to the Ladakh administration.
Violence erupted on September 24 after protesters, frustrated by a lack of progress, set fire to the BJP’s office in Leh. Police responded with gunfire, resulting in four deaths. Prior to this, the protests had remained largely peaceful for years.
Since Ladakh became a union territory in 2019, residents have expressed concerns about losing control over local resources and cultural identity. The Sixth Schedule demand reflects a desire for self-governance and protection of indigenous rights, as current local councils lack legislative powers.