LEH: The arrest of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk has set social media on fire.
Many are calling it politically motivated.
Authorities see it differently.
They say his activism has gone beyond climate issues.
They cite security risks and his provocative speeches.
DGP LADAKH SPEAKS
DGP S. D. Singh Jamwal says Wangchuk is under investigation for alleged Pakistan links.
A Pakistan PIO was also arrested for sharing protest content across the border.
Jamwal says Wangchuk’s speeches invoked “Gen-Z protests in Nepal.”
He warns these speeches inflamed youth anger in Leh. Thousands participated in protests.
Government offices and vehicles were damaged.
Authorities say Wangchuk’s rhetoric, combined with foreign funding, created a parallel narrative.
It bypassed official UT administration channels.
POLITICAL AMBITIONS
Critics say Wangchuk’s projects, like SEMCOL and HIAL, Alternative Ladakh, show political ambition.
He portrays himself as the sole authority on Himalayan climate issues.
He has avoided engaging with current and past UT Lieutenant Governors ever since UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir were created.
Authorities see this as prioritizing his agenda over governance.
FINANCIAL DATA LEAK
Financial disclosures have surfaced on social media.
Sources include FCRA filings, Companies Act disclosures, and bank records.
The leak shows alarming trends.
HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF ALTERNATIVES LADAKH (HIAL)
Donations jumped from ₹6 Cr (2023–24) to ₹15+ Cr (2024–25).
7 bank accounts exist; 4 are undeclared.
₹1.5+ Cr received from abroad without FCRA registration.
₹6.5 Cr transferred to Sheshyon Innovations Pvt Ltd without clear justification and company is run by Wangchuk, claim sources.
SECMOL has 9 accounts, 6 undeclared.
SHESHYON INNOVATIONS PVT LTD
Turnover ₹9.85 Cr (2024–25).
Profit only 1.14% (down from 6.13%). It received large transfers from HIAL.
It has Raised conflict-of-interest questions for which Wangchuk needs to clear the air.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF WANGCHUK
9 accounts; 8 undeclared. They received ₹1.68 Cr foreign funds (2018–2024). Transferred ₹2.3 Cr abroad (2021–2024) to unknown entities.
CSR FUNDS
Accepted large CSR contributions despite criticizing corporates.
Some funds allegedly diverted to private entities.
Social media is debating these leaks.
Some see mismanagement. Others warn the data is unverified.
WANGCHUK’S RESPONSE
He says his work is for Ladakh’s youth and ecology.
He denies encouraging violence.
He calls allegations of foreign funding and Pakistan links politically motivated.
He says Sixth Schedule and statehood demands are legal and constitutional.
BALANCING PERSPECTIVES
Authorities see him as security risks, having political ambition, and he has committed financial irregularities.
Supporters see him as a champion of youth and environment.
Social media leaks have added heat.
Accuracy and interpretation of financial data remain contested.
NEXT STEPS
Wangchuk may approach the Supreme Court for bail in the coming days.
The court will decide how activism, public order, and national security balance out.
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