Curfew imposed in Leh after four killed in clashes; environmental activist’s NGO loses foreign funding license, sparking accusations of government suppression
Published on: September 27, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Ladakh, India
In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing demand for full statehood in Ladakh, renowned environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained today alongside at least 50 other protesters as authorities enforced a strict curfew in Leh. The move comes just a day after violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces resulted in four deaths, including two from police firing, marking a tragic turn in what began as peaceful marches for greater autonomy from Jammu and Kashmir.
The protests, which have gripped the Union Territory for weeks, center on grievances over environmental degradation, loss of tribal land rights, and the dilution of constitutional protections under Article 370’s abrogation in 2019. Wangchuk, celebrated for his “Ice Stupa” water conservation projects and the 2023 hunger strike that drew national attention, was arrested under preventive detention laws, with police citing “provocative statements” that allegedly incited the mob.
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Adding fuel to the fire, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revoked the foreign funding license of Wangchuk’s NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), accusing it of “misappropriation” of funds meant for disabled persons—claims the organization has vehemently denied as politically motivated. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in Leh, where paramilitary forces used tear gas and lathis to disperse crowds chanting “Justice for Ladakh” near the clock tower.
Local leaders, including those from the Leh Apex Body, have called for an immediate dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that the crackdown could alienate the region’s Buddhist-majority population. Economically, the unrest has halted tourism—a lifeline for Ladakh’s fragile economy—with flights canceled and roads blocked. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged the government to release Wangchuk unconditionally, labeling the detentions as a “chilling assault on dissent.”
As night fell, intermittent clashes continued, raising fears of further violence ahead of planned nationwide solidarity marches tomorrow. This crisis underscores the fragile balance between national integration and regional aspirations in India’s northern frontiers.
