Internet suspended in Leh after Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest

Leh: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by police on Friday and, according to government sources, has been charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). The NSA allows for long preventive detention without bail, and sources indicate Wangchuk is likely to be moved out of Ladakh soon.

Following Wangchuk's arrest, internet services were suspended in Leh, officials confirmed.

When and how was Wangchuk taken into custody?

Officials said Wangchuk was taken into custody by a police party led by Ladakh DGP S D Singh Jamwal at 2.30 pm on Friday.

Why did the authorities detain him?

The home ministry has blamed Wangchuk, a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), for provocation leading to violence. LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been leading the agitation in support of statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for over five years.

What triggered the arrest?

Wangchuk’s arrest comes two days after violent protests by supporters of the movement left four people dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

What is Wangchuk’s response to the charges?

Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike in support of the demands, denied the charges. He also denounced the violence and ended his fortnight-long fast following the incidents on Wednesday.

(with agency inputs)