Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned social activist from Ladakh, has become the subject of discussion across the country today. He has become a man, a movement. He wants the people of Ladakh to have the right to protect their land, their culture, and their environment. To this end, he has raised several important demands.
Sonam Wangchuk’s first demand was statehood for Ladakh. He said that when the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided, Ladakh was placed directly under the control of Delhi. Now, the people of Ladakh do not have the right to make their own decisions. Once a state is established, people will be able to make their own decisions regarding education, employment, land, and development.
The second demand was that Ladakh be included in the Sixth Schedule. This would provide legal protection to the culture and land of the tribal area. He said that Ladakh’s environment is very fragile, and if the government openly allows mining and construction, the entire area will be destroyed.
The third demand was job reservation for local youth and promotion of local businesses. He wanted the people of Ladakh to be involved in development, not to be taken over by outsiders.
Now let’s talk about the arrest. When the movement intensified in September 2025, violence broke out in some areas and four people died. Following this, the Ladakh administration arrested Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). He remains in jail.
His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, filed a petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the arrest was illegal because Sonam Wangchuk was staging a peaceful protest. The administration had used old FIRs to trap them.
The Supreme Court has not yet issued a final decision on this matter. The court just asked that the central government and Ladakh administration answer. Hearing took place on the next date. That means justice is still pending.
People said that the government was scared of the movement, whereas Wangchuk said that it was just raising demands through democratic means. Meanwhile, people of the country are running a βFree Sonam Wangchukβ campaign on Twitter and social media.
This whole matter is raising a question β can one demand one’s rights in a democracy without being punished with jail?
The people of Ladakh are still hopeful that the Supreme Court will deliver justice and Sonam Wangchuk will be released.
