Ladakh – Amid growing public anger and political discontent in Ladakh, the Leh Apex Body has raised a significant and sharp demand—the immediate removal of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on environmental activist and social leader Sonam Wangchuk. This demand has sparked discussion not only at the local level but also nationally, as Wangchuk has long been vigorously raising issues concerning Ladakh’s environmental protection, people’s rights, and constitutional safeguards.
The Apex Body states that imposing the NSA on Wangchuk is not only unnecessary but also an excessively repressive measure. They claim that Wangchuk’s activities have been non-violent, democratic, and entirely in the public interest. They alleged that the government is attempting to suppress his voice to weaken public movements in Ladakh related to land, resources, and the environment.
Sonam Wangchuk has been active in recent months demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, protection of local identities, a halt to activities threatening glaciers, and sustainable development. His rising voice in this geopolitically sensitive region has brought a significant shift in the politics of the Union Territory. He has repeatedly drawn national and international attention through peaceful sit-ins, climate-related campaigns, and people-centric initiatives.
The Leh Apex Body alleges that the NSA is intended for terrorism or anti-national activities, whereas Wangchuk’s record has always been transparent and linked to social upliftment. They state that using this law sets a worrying precedent that could increase the tendency to suppress civil rights and public movements.
On the other hand, the administration argues that maintaining law and order is the top priority given Ladakh’s sensitive situation. They claimed that some recent events could have increased the risk of instability in the region, which is why the NSA was implemented as a ‘preventive’ measure. However, this argument by the administration is proving unacceptable to local organizations.
Leaders have clearly stated their demands.
The Chairman of the LAB and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association stated that the draft clearly includes demands for granting Ladakh statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. He also stated that they have demanded a general amnesty for those arrested or against whom cases were registered after the September violence. Furthermore, the demand for Sonam Wangchuk’s release and the removal of the NSA charges against him was reiterated.
Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) after the September violence. He is currently held in a jail in Jodhpur.
This controversy has made Ladakh’s political atmosphere even more tense. Many student organizations, Buddhist monasteries, social groups, and local leaders in Ladakh have also joined the demand to remove the NSA charges against Wangchuk. This issue is also trending rapidly on social media, with a large number of people describing it as an attack on democratic rights.
Experts believe that if dialogue is not increased between the central government and local groups, this dispute could further intensify issues regarding Ladakh’s future and its demands for autonomy. In the coming days, it will be essential to see whether the government reconsiders this demand or if the movement expands further.
