Sonam Wangchuk Linked to Arrested Pak Intelligence Operative, Says Ladakh Police”

Ladakh DGP Links Sonam Wangchuk to Pak Operative, Alleges Role in Leh Violence.

Ladakh’s Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal on Saturday alleged that activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently led a hunger strike demanding statehood for the Union Territory, maintained links with Pakistan and raised suspicions about his overseas engagements.

Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday and shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

Allegations of Foreign Links

Addressing a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal claimed that police had earlier detained a Pakistani intelligence operative who was in touch with Wangchuk.

“We arrested a Pakistan PIO who was reporting back across. Records confirm this. Wangchuk attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh, which raises questions about his activities. Investigations are on,” Jamwal said.

He further alleged that Wangchuk’s speeches and references to global protest movements such as the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen Z agitation incited demonstrators in Ladakh. The Ministry of Home Affairs echoed these concerns, saying his remarks triggered mob fury that led to arson and violence in Leh.

Violence in Leh

On September 24, violence broke out in Leh during protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards. Four people were killed and nearly 80 injured as mobs clashed with security forces, torched vehicles, and set fire to the local BJP office.

Jamwal held Wangchuk responsible for “derailing talks with the Centre” and attempting to “hijack” negotiations between officials and Ladakhi groups. “Four lives were lost and many injured. The process of dialogue was sabotaged by so-called environmental activists, with Wangchuk at the forefront,” he said.

Crackdown and Investigations

The DGP added that the police are probing possible foreign involvement in the unrest, noting that two more individuals have been detained. Authorities are also investigating alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

On Thursday, the Union government cancelled the FCRA licence of SECMOL, the educational institute founded by Wangchuk, citing financial irregularities.

Political Reactions

While officials blamed Wangchuk for provoking violence, opposition parties condemned his arrest. The CPI(ML) Liberation termed it “political witch-hunting,” while local activists accused the government of stifling democratic dissent.

Background of the Agitation

Wangchuk, widely known for his environmental activism, began an indefinite fast on September 10 to demand statehood for Ladakh, constitutional guarantees, and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The agitation was supported by the Leh Apex Body’s youth wing and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Amid the unrest, Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday, urging his supporters to maintain peace and acknowledging that “Gen Z’s frenzy” had disrupted the movement.