Jodhpur: In a dramatic escalation of the crisis following deadly protests in the Union Territory of Ladakh, police on September 26 arrested Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Soon after the arrest, Wangchook was immediately shifted to a high-security jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where he is reportedly under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, according to sources.
The arrest, carried out by a police team led by Ladakh Police chief S D Singh Jamwal, took place at 2:30 pm. Wangchuk, is accused for instigating the recent violence in Leh that tragically left four people dead and dozens injured.
#BREAKING | Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested in Leh earlier today, has now been shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan amid heavy security.
The govt had invoked the NSA against him earlier in the day for provoking violence during the Leh protests. pic.twitter.com/b9o8oqWUN2
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) September 26, 2025
The pre-emptive security measures following the arrest highlight the administration’s determination to prevent any further escalation. The Union Territory administration has suspended mobile internet services in the Leh area as a precautionary measure, fearing the spread of misinformation and fresh mobilisation.
Wangchook’s arrest comes swiftly on the heels of another significant action by the union government. Just one day earlier, the Union Home Ministry revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the organisation founded by Wangchuk. The ministry cited alleged financial irregularities and a fund transfer deemed to be against “national interest” as reasons for the cancellation.
Prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, continue to be imposed in Leh following the September 24 violence on amid the demands for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval.
Security personnel are deployed in Leh amid the unrest. This comes after a demonstration turned violent and targeted the BJP office in Leh.
Earlier on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting in Leh to assess the prevailing situation across the Union Territory, amid heightened concerns over public safety.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal, and senior officers from the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
During the meeting, the Lt Governor emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, and public order across Ladakh.
