Summary
Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known innovator in India, once supported Prime Minister Modi's decision to change the status of the Ladakh region. However, he now leads protests for more local governance in Ladakh. Authorities arrested Wangchuk after violent clashes with security forces, accusing him of anti-national activities.
Key Facts
- On August 5, 2019, the Indian government changed the status of the Jammu and Kashmir region, separating Ladakh as a union territory.
- Ladakh was not given a locally elected legislature like Jammu and Kashmir, causing unrest over time.
- Sonam Wangchuk, initially supportive of the government's move, became a key protest leader for more autonomy in Ladakh.
- On September 26, Wangchuk was arrested and charged with anti-national activities after a protest turned violent.
- The violence included the burning of a BJP office, leading to the deaths of four protesters by security forces.
- Local activists, including Wangchuk, have been demanding constitutional protections similar to those for India's Indigenous tribes.
- More than 80 protesters were arrested after the incident, with Wangchuk detained under a preventive detention law.
