Detaining Peaceful Activist Will Deepen Crisis, Says LAB Legal Advisor on Wangchuk Arrest
Arrest Cannot Stop Ladakh’s Struggle for Statehood and Sixth Schedule, Say LAB Leaders
LEH, SEPTEMBER 26: The arrest of renowned climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has drawn sharp criticism from the Leh Apex Body (LAB), with its legal advisor Haji Ghulam Mustafa calling the move “unwise” and warning that it could further complicate the already tense situation in Ladakh. Mustafa, who is also the legal advisor to the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), said the arrest of a globally respected figure known for his unwavering commitment to non-violence and constitutional methods of protest would not halt the ongoing movement but could derail the delicate dialogue process between Ladakh’s representatives and the central government.
“We have heard about the arrest of Wangchuk, and it is a very unfortunate and unwise decision by the authorities,” Mustafa told the media. “I do not see his involvement in the unrest that took place on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of four protesters and injuries to over 90 others. Arresting him on baseless allegations will not bring peace but will hurt the sentiments of the people of Ladakh deeply.” He added that Wangchuk’s stature as an internationally acclaimed figure, widely recognized for his pioneering work in education, sustainable development, and climate activism, makes his arrest even more concerning. “What message does this send? That even those who follow Gandhian principles and the Constitution can be targeted? It sets a troubling precedent,” Mustafa said.
Mustafa stressed that the ongoing agitation, rooted in a four-point demand that includes statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, is far larger than any one individual. “The arrest of a single person cannot end a movement that has been sustained for four years. However, such actions risk creating mistrust and could become a significant obstacle to meaningful dialogue,” he cautioned.
Echoing similar concerns, Mohd Ramzan, vice president of Anjuman-e-Moinul Islam, a key constituent of LAB, accused certain right-wing groups and sections of the media of running a “systematic campaign” to malign Wangchuk and weaken the movement. “He is the son of the soil, a hero for Ladakh, and a leader who lives by Gandhian ideals. He has always believed in peaceful resistance, from leading hunger strikes to walking from Leh to Delhi on foot to draw attention to Ladakh’s issues,” Ramzan said. “Arresting such a person only deepens resentment and makes resolution more difficult. These tactics will not silence the people; they will only intensify their resolve.”
Ramzan further alleged that the government is attempting to apply coercive methods used elsewhere in Ladakh, an approach he warned could backfire. “This is an experiment to browbeat Ladakh’s leadership into submission. But people here stand united behind Wangchuk and the movement. Such steps will complicate the situation rather than normalize it,” he said.
Adding to the criticism, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay also strongly defended Wangchuk and questioned the timing of the government’s recent actions against him. “Wangchuk has been running his institute and working for education and innovation in Ladakh for decades. Why has the government suddenly chosen this moment — when he is at the forefront of a people’s movement to revoke his FCRA license and cancel the land lease for his HAIL institute?” Dorjay asked. “These actions raise serious questions about intent.”
The LAB and KDA, which have been jointly leading the agitation for over four years, reiterated that their struggle will remain peaceful but firm. They warned that suppressive measures such as Wangchuk’s arrest would not dampen public determination but could alienate the people further and erode faith in dialogue as a means of resolution.
The arrest has injected fresh tension into Ladakh’s already fragile political climate, coming amid growing anger over the handling of recent protests and concerns about excessive force used by security personnel. As calls mount for a judicial probe into the violence and for Wangchuk’s release, Ladakh’s leadership insists that dialogue, not detentions, is the only way forward. “The people of Ladakh are committed to peaceful protest and constitutional methods,” Mustafa said. “Targeting those who embody those principles will not silence them; it will only strengthen their cause.”
