Leh Violence Fallout: LAHDC CEO Calls for Probe as Sonam Wangchuk Arrest Sparks Outcry
Leh: Days after clashes left four youngsters dead in Leh, LAHDC CEO Tashi Gyalson said the violence was “unexpected and deeply regrettable,” insisting that both the mob violence and the police crackdown must be brought under scrutiny.
Gyalson pointed out that the hunger strike leading up to the incident was peaceful and centred on Ladakh’s demand for constitutional safeguards.
“Talks with the Centre were on and assurances were given. But suddenly, misleading narratives that the government wasn’t serious began circulating, and a few provocative remarks triggered unrest.
On the 24th, things spiralled into violence — something no one anticipated,” he said. He added, “We strongly condemn this. We’ve urged the LG to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
There must be accountability — for those who provoked violence and for the excessive force used by police.”
Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under NSA
The tension escalated further on September 26 when Ladakh’s well-known climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody under the National Security Act (NSA).
Authorities later shifted him out of Ladakh to Jodhpur Central Jail, over 1,000 km away.
His NGO, SECMOL, also lost its FCRA licence, cutting off foreign funding. The Centre simultaneously imposed an internet blackout in Leh, citing law and order concerns.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused the government of “muzzling democratic voices” instead of addressing Ladakh’s demand for constitutional safeguards.
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