From hunger strike to FCRA cancellation: What led to Sonam Wangchuk's arrest

The government on Thursday cancelled the FCRA licence of Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) founded by Sonam Wangchuk.

Updated on: Sep 26, 2025, 17:17:17 IST

By HT News Desk

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Two days after protests demanding sixth schedule inclusion for Ladakh turned violent, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday ahead of his reported press conference, which was scheduled for 2.30 pm.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has long been the face of non-violent activism in Ladakh. (PTI File Photo)

Wangchuk, who has long been the face of non-violent activism in Ladakh, was previously detained during his "Delhi Chalo" protest in late 2024 but was later released.

Also Read | Internet suspended in Leh after activist Sonam Wangchuk's arrest

However, Wangchuk's arrest today marks a dramatic escalation in the region's ongoing political standoff with the Centre. Here's a detailed timeline of Sonam Wangchuk's Ladakh movement, up until his arrest.

September 30, 2024: Sonam Wangchuk's detention

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with 120 other activists from Ladakh, was detained at the Delhi border on September 30, 2024, as they attempted to march into the capital.

Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk, HIAL under scanner over alleged financial irregularities amid Ladakh 'Gen Z' protests

He was detained during his "Delhi Chalo Padyatra" march from Leh to New Delhi. Wangchuk was later released by the Delhi Police and allowed to visit Rajghat on October 2, 2024.

October 5, 2024: Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite fast begins

Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters from Ladakh, who were detained during their Padyatra, planned to sit on an indefinite fast from October 5 if they don't receive any response from the central government regarding their request to meet the President, the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister.

October 21, 2024: Hunger strike ends

Wangchuk ended his 16-day hunger strike on October 21, 2024, when the Home Ministry assured him of talks on his demands in December.

He described the fast as part of a "peaceful Gandhian protest" and said he would wait to meet with leaders.

September 10, 2025: Indefinite hunger strike begins again

On September 10, Sonam Wangchuk began a 35-day hunger strike at Shaheed Park in Leh. During this time, people from social organisations across the country arrived in Ladakh to support him, which led to protests across the Union Territory.

The protest in Ladakh turned violent on Wednesday, where protesters, primarily youth, pelted stones at the BJP office and the Hill Council in Leh and set a CRPF vehicle on fire. The central government blamed Wangchuk for this violence.

September 25, 2025: Wangchuk's hunger strike ends, FCRA cancellation

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Thursday that he would quit his 15-day hunger strike in Leh soon after violent protests broke out over the statehood demand for Ladakh.

Soon after the protest broke out, Wangchuk called for peace and urged people to stop the violence, saying that it damaged the cause.

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday also cancelled the FCRA licence of Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with "immediate effect", a government order said.

September 26, 2025: Formal arrest

After the government's statement, Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday. Wangchuck was supposed to address a press conference at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, but was arrested before he could talk to the media.

However, the exact reason behind Wangchuk's arrest is yet to be confirmed by the authorities.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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