NSA detention might win Wangchuk a Nobel prize: Mohammad Lassu

mangaloretoday.com

SRINAGAR, October 1, 2025: "Till now, Ladakh climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk had received many prestigious international and local awards, but the detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) would give him a Nobel prize," said Ladakh Bar Association President Leh, Mohammad Shafi Lassu.

Wangchuk (59) was leading peaceful agitation for 6th Schedule and statehood to the Ladakh Union Territory when he was arrested and booked under the NSA on September 24 and shifted to Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan after the September 24 violence in Leh over statehood and Sixth Schedule in which four persons were killed and 80 others injured.

The Ladakh DG of Police has accused Wangchuk of being ringleader of the protestors and alleged that his provocative speeches instigated youth to violence.
Sonam Wangchuk.

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In the last four years, Wangchuk had held many hunger strikes to press the central government to grant statehood and Sixth Schedule to Ladakh UT.

According to Lassu, Wangchuk has given the peaceful concept of protests. "It is a new concept. We were expecting the government to encourage it. Peaceful protest is the best form of protest. It was a peaceful protest but ended in a violent note by the administration."

On his booking under the stringent NSA, Lassu said, "Wangchuk has so far received prestigious awards, including Ramon Magsaysay Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, International Terra Award for Best Earth Building (SECMOL campus), Green Teacher Award by Sanctuary Asia, Global award for Sustainable Architecture. This NSA detention will bring the Nobel prize to him. Mark my word and note it."

On DG Ladakh Police saying police and agencies are probing Wangchuk’s Pakistani link and foreign funding, Lassu said, "His detention and booking under NSA is illegal and without any merit. All the allegations levelled against him are fake and fabricated."