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From KBC Winner to NSA Arrest: Sonam Wangchuk’s Ladakh Battle Takes a Drastic Turn

Pooja Mishra | 3 min read | 1 week ago | Sep 28, 2025 07:02 pm IST
From KBC Winner to NSA Arrest: Sonam Wangchuk's Ladakh Battle Takes a Drastic Turn

Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose inspiring work was even featured in the film ‘3 Idiots’, once charmed millions as a winner on Kaun Banega Crorepati. Fast forward to today, and the engineer-turned-education reformer finds himself in a vastly different spotlight. He has been arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), marking a dramatic turn in Ladakh’s intense fight for statehood and constitutional protections.

His detention follows a wave of violent protests that rocked Leh, tragically claiming lives and injuring many. This unfolding crisis has gripped the nation, as a figure celebrated for his innovation now faces serious allegations that could reshape the future of the Himalayan region.

Ladakh’s Fight: Demands for Protection

  • The Core Demand: Wangchuk initiated a 14-day hunger strike on September 10, 2025, to advocate for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This status would grant significant autonomy and protect the region’s unique culture and environment.
  • A Peaceful Plea Turns Violent: His hunger strike, intended to be a peaceful protest, unfortunately coincided with escalating tensions. On September 24, violent clashes erupted in Leh between demonstrators and police, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries. BJP offices and police vehicles were set ablaze, prompting Wangchuk to call off his fast.

The Allegations and Legal Storm

  • NSA Arrest Shocks Nation: On September 26, Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act from his village of Uleytokpo, just before a scheduled press conference. This powerful law allows for detention without charge for up to 12 months, raising concerns among human rights advocates.
  • Accusations of Incitement: The Ladakh administration justified his detention, accusing Wangchuk of delivering provocative speeches that incited the mob violence. They referenced historical events like the Arab Spring and Nepal agitations, alleging he used such examples to stir unrest.
  • Transfer to Jodhpur: Deeming his presence in Leh detrimental to public order, authorities controversially transferred him to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan, further removing him from his local support base.
  • Broader Crackdown: The crackdown didn’t stop at his arrest. The FCRA license of his NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), was revoked. Simultaneously, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), which he operates, is now under a CBI inquiry for alleged FCRA violations.
  • Alleged Pakistan Links: In a startling development, police announced an investigation into Wangchuk for alleged links with Pakistan. This includes claims of contact with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative who reportedly transmitted videos of his protests across the border, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

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A Legacy Under Scrutiny

It’s a stark contrast to his past. In 2017, Wangchuk won a substantial ₹50 lakh on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 9. That entire amount was dedicated to the development of SECMOL and the establishment of HIAL, institutions focused on education and sustainable development in Ladakh. This past philanthropy now stands in sharp relief against the serious allegations he currently faces.

The events surrounding Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest highlight the intense pressure and deep-seated demands for greater autonomy in Ladakh. As the legal battle unfolds, the world watches to see how this story of a celebrated innovator and activist will conclude.

What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation about Ladakh’s future.