Prominent climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday in Leh, just hours before he was scheduled to address a press conference regarding the ongoing protests demanding Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh. His arrest comes two days after a large-scale protest turned violent, leaving four people dead and dozens injured.

Wangchuk, widely known for his environmental work in the Himalayas and as the inspiration for the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film 3 Idiots, has emerged as a key figure in the recent agitation that has gripped Ladakh. He has been leading demands for the inclusion of Ladakh under Schedule VI of the Constitution, which would grant the region greater autonomy and protect the rights of its tribal and indigenous communities.

The protests, which have been building up for months, escalated on Wednesday when a peaceful demonstration in Leh turned violent after clashes reportedly broke out between protestors and security forces. The confrontation resulted in four fatalities and left over 50 injured, including both civilians and law enforcement personnel.

The demand for Sixth Schedule status stems from fears among local communities that the unique cultural and ecological heritage of Ladakh is at risk. Since Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, residents have raised concerns over lack of constitutional safeguards, especially in the absence of a legislative assembly.

In recent months, Wangchuk has been at the forefront of peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and public outreach campaigns, urging the central government to honour promises made to the people of Ladakh. The movement has drawn support from various tribal organisations, student groups, and civil society actors.

His arrest on Friday has sparked outrage among supporters, with many accusing the government of suppressing democratic dissent. “He was scheduled to address the press at 2:30 pm but was detained before he could speak,” a member of his team said.

As tensions remain high in the region, rights groups and opposition leaders have called for immediate dialogue and restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the fragile socio-political fabric of the Himalayan region.