Leh, September 27, 2025 : Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) S D Singh Jamwal on Saturday said that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is being investigated for alleged links with Pakistan, following last month’s arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative who had shared videos of Wangchuk-led protests across the border.
Jamwal described Wangchuk as the “key person” behind the September 24 violence in Leh, which left four people dead and several injured.
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday and shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Probe & Allegations
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DGP Jamwal said investigations into Wangchuk’s activities involve scrutiny of foreign funding and possible violations of the FCRA.
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He cited Wangchuk’s past foreign visits, including to Pakistan (where he attended an event by The Dawn) and Bangladesh, calling them “suspicious.”
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“His speeches invoked movements like the Arab Spring and unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — working as instigation for violence,” Jamwal said.
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A Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO) allegedly transmitted videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border.
Violence & Arrests
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Jamwal alleged Wangchuk attempted to “hijack” the agitation spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are pressing for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
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He accused Wangchuk of undermining the dialogue process with the Centre by continuing his hunger strike despite an informal meeting scheduled on September 25.
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“Just a day before the meeting, provocative videos and statements were circulated deliberately to vitiate the atmosphere, which culminated in Wednesday’s violence,” the DGP added.
Wider Conspiracy Angle
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On Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta’s remarks of foreign involvement, Jamwal said that three Nepal citizens were among those admitted to hospital with bullet injuries, and links of others are being probed.
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So far, 50 people have been taken into custody, with at least six suspected ringleaders.
Jamwal said Wangchuk, being the “main instigator”, was deliberately shifted to an outside jail to prevent further unrest.
