Maharashtra farmers condemn detention of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, demand his release
Mumbai: Maharashtra’s farmers’ organisation Shetkari Sanghatana has condemned the detention of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling it arbitrary and unlawful, and demanded his immediate release.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the organization passed a resolution on the matter during a recent meeting in Miraj in Maharashtra’s Sangli district. The body also plans to put up hoardings in several villages advocating Wangchuk’s release.
Kalidas Apet, working president of the Shetkari Sanghatana, said, “The government is ungrateful and wrong. The BJP had itself promised in its 2019 manifesto that it would provide separate Statehood to Ladakh as well. Sonam Wangchuk was only demanding something that was already promised. We appeal to the BJP government to release him immediately and call on all social organizations to join in this demand.”
Apet highlighted Wangchuk’s contribution to furthering education in Ladakh and his endeavours in scientific innovation. “He built solar-powered tents for Indian soldiers and is the son of a soldier himself. To call such a man a traitor is not just being ungrateful, but also agitating. His only demand is that the government should keep its promise,” he said.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025 under the draconian National Security Act (NSA) following protests in Leh over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards, which turned violent. Four people were killed and dozens were injured Indian forces’ firing on the protesters.
Wangchuk is known internationally for his innovative work in education and climate change campaigns. His detention has drawn attention from human rights organisations worldwide, who have called for a review of the circumstances leading to his arrest.
