Ladakh unrest: Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday under the National Security Act after days of street clashes in Leh, Ladakh, that left four people dead and scores injured, officials said. The unrest, which peaked on Wednesday during demonstrations demanding full statehood for Ladakh and extension of constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, prompted a curfew in the town, suspension of internet services and a heavy security deployment.

Protesters had gathered around a hunger strike led by Wangchuk, which began on September 10 to press demands for greater local autonomy, tribal safeguards and other institutional changes. Authorities and local leaders say the demonstration swelled well beyond its usual size, and a segment of the crowd carried out acts of arson and vandalism, including setting fire to the regional office of a national political party and a Hill Council building. Police and paramilitary personnel responded with tear gas and, officials said, fired in self-defence after being attacked.

Officials reported multiple injuries among civilians and security personnel and said dozens were detained in connection with the riots. The Union Home Ministry accused...