• Source:JND
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Sonam Wangchuk Arrest Row: Ladakh, a mountainous region, remained tense on Saturday, a day after the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for allegedly provoking people, which triggered a violent protest that claimed four lives in Leh on September 24. His arrest came two days after violent protests by supporters of a movement demanding statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Prohibitions under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023 continued to be imposed in Leh following the violence here on Sept 24. Assembly of five or more persons was banned in the district, and no procession, rally or march was allowed without prior written approval.

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Here Are The Other Key Developments On Ladakh Crisis:

1. Leh market wears a deserted look as prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 continue to be imposed here following the violence here on September 24.

2. On reports of Wangchuk's arrest, Jammu And Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "It is unfortunate. Given the way the Central government has been after them (activists) since yesterday, it seemed like something like this might happen. They were made promises, just like we were. Now, I don't understand what compels the Central government to renege on promises it makes."

3. The Ladakh administration on Friday night justified the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), saying his series of alleged provocative speeches with references to Nepal agitation and the Arab Spring resulted in the Wednesday's violence that left four persons dead and scores of others injured.

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4. The Opposition parties slammed the Centre over the arrest of climate, alleging that the move "clearly exposes the government's witch-hunting agenda" and it is an "abysmal failure" to maintain law and order in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

5. Condemning Wangchuk's arrest, the Congress said it was done to divert attention and responsibility from the BJP's "abysmal failure" to maintain law and order and ensure security of life and property in Ladakh.

6. Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader Sagarika Ghose alleged that the Narendra Modi government treats any dissent as "anti-national" and arrests the dissenters under draconian laws.

7. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said Wangchuk's arrest is "deeply disturbing", terming the climate activist as a lifelong advocate of peace.

8. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Malviya alleged involvement of Congress Councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag in violence targeted at the Leh BJP office.

9. Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta called for heightened vigilance and inter-agency coordination, while terming the Wednesday's events "heart-wrenching" and a result of a "conspiracy".

10. The CBI has launched an inquiry into alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) against the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), an institution also founded by Wangchuk. LAB and KDA have been spearheading the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule extension for four years, with the next round of talks with the Centre scheduled for October 6.

(With agencies inputs)