Leh continues to remain under curfew for the fourth consecutive day following large-scale violence on September 24 that left four people dead, and many others injured. Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal confirmed the toll on Saturday and said that strict restrictions remained in place across the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference, Jamwal said the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) was necessary to restore peace. He alleged that Wangchuk and other activists attempted to derail talks between Ladakh groups and the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule demands. He further said that Wangchuk’s alleged links with Pakistan had emerged during investigations and were under probe.
September 24 Violence
According to the DGP, nearly 7,000 people pelted stones at buildings, police, and paramilitary forces during the protests in Leh. He said CRPF personnel were “mercilessly beaten,” with one still critical. He added that three women personnel were inside a building when rioters attempted to set it on fire, but they narrowly escaped.
Jamwal described the incident as unprecedented in Ladakh’s history. He said his own vehicle was attacked and he sustained minor injuries. He added that 80 security personnel, including 17 CRPF and 15 Ladakh police, were injured in the violence. He said 70–80 civilians were also injured, including seven who were critically hurt. One girl was airlifted to Delhi for treatment.
Jamwal said firing took place in self-defence, which resulted in four deaths. He noted that three Nepali nationals were among those who sustained bullet injuries.
Allegations Against Sonam Wangchuk
The DGP alleged that Wangchuk had a history of instigation, citing references to movements in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring. He said that Wangchuk had made provocative speeches and statements that attempted to derail the Centre’s discussions with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). He said FIRs had been registered in connection with the speeches.
Jamwal claimed that possible violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, were being investigated. He said agencies were also probing Wangchuk’s alleged visits to Pakistan and potential foreign funding links.
The DGP said a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO), who was allegedly “reporting” on Wangchuk, had been arrested with incriminating material. He said the PIO had been “in touch” with Wangchuk and was sending reports across the border.
We also arrested a Pakistan PIO (Pakistan Intelligence Officer) in the recent past who was in touch with Sonam Wangchuk and reporting back across. We have a record of this –
Ladakh DGP Dr. S.D Singh Jamwal
— Aman Chopra (@AmanChopra_) September 27, 2025
Arrests and Security Measures
Jamwal confirmed that 44 people had been arrested so far, including five to six individuals described as “ringleaders.” He said that police had prior intelligence of possible disturbances, which led to security deployments.
He said that despite the unrest, security forces exercised restraint. He noted that while the forces were entitled to use firearms in self-defence, they worked to control the situation without escalation.
Wangchuk’s Arrest
Major clashes on September 24 saw protesters torch police vehicles and attack the BJP office in Leh. Following the unrest, prohibitory orders banning assembly of more than five people were imposed in major towns, including Kargil.
The police later arrested Wangchuk on Friday. He was taken into custody by a team led by DGP Jamwal and lodged in a jail in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur under NSA provisions.
The Ladakh administration issued a statement late Friday night, saying Wangchuk’s detention was important to restore normalcy in Leh and to prevent him from further acting in a manner prejudicial to public order.
Jamwal said Ladakh police would not spare anyone attempting to destabilise peace. He expressed confidence that Ladakh would overcome the crisis and hold peace.
(With inputs from News18)
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