URGENT: Climate Activist Detained Under NSA

Stand with Sonam Wangchuk

Voice for Ladakh's Constitutional Rights & Environmental Protection

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Since detention on September 26, 2025

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Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

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Educator & Reformer

Founded SECMOL in 1988, transformed Ladakh's education system from 5% to 75% pass rate through Operation New Hope.

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Innovator

Invented Ice Stupa artificial glaciers for water conservation. Real-life inspiration for "3 Idiots" character Phunsukh Wangdu.

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Award Winner

Ramon Magsaysay Award (2018), Rolex Award for Enterprise (2016), Global Award for Sustainable Architecture (2017).

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Climate Activist

35+ years of peaceful activism for Ladakh's environment, culture, and constitutional rights. UN climate conference speaker.

Current Situation

Sept 1-30, 2024

Peaceful March to Delhi

1000km peaceful march from Leh to Delhi for constitutional demands. Detained at Delhi border, released after 36 hours.

Sept 24, 2025

Protests Turn Violent

Peaceful protests escalated after security forces used tear gas. 4 casualties, 60+ injured. Government blames activists.

Sept 26, 2025

Arrested Under NSA

Sonam Wangchuk detained under National Security Act, shifted to Jodhpur jail. Accused of "provocative statements".

Fact vs Fiction: Addressing Allegations

Government Claim

"Provocative statements incited violence"

FACT

35+ years of peaceful activism

  • All protests from 2019-2024 were completely peaceful
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award winner for community-driven reform
  • Eyewitnesses report CRPF tear gas escalated Sept 24 situation
  • Consistent advocate of Gandhian non-violent methods
Government Claim

"Arab Spring references show violent intent"

FACT

Gandhian philosophy follower

  • Climate fasts and marches follow satyagraha principles
  • No evidence of any call to violence in speeches
  • Peaceful methods used in all previous movements
  • Violence contradicts his life's work and philosophy
Government Claim

"Pakistan connections"

FACT

International climate activist

  • International travels for climate conferences
  • Regular participant in UN climate conferences
  • Globally recognized environmental innovator
  • Transparent professional engagements worldwide
Government Claim

"Personal/political ambitions"

FACT

Lifetime of selfless service

  • Never contested elections or sought political office
  • Founded SECMOL as non-profit in 1988
  • All demands are collective from LAB and KDA
  • Dedicated entire life to Ladakh's education & environment

Ladakh's Four Constitutional Demands

1

Statehood

Restore democratic representation that existed before 2019. Ladakh needs a legislature to govern its own affairs.

2

Sixth Schedule

Protect 97% tribal population's land rights, culture, and fragile ecosystem from external exploitation.

3

Public Service Commission

Address 26.5% graduate unemployment (double the national average). Create local job opportunities for youth.

4

Two Parliamentary Seats

Fair representation for both Leh and Kargil districts in Parliament, recognizing their distinct identities.

These demands were promised by the BJP in their 2019 election manifesto and have been peacefully pursued by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) since 2019.

⚠️ Beware of Misinformation Campaign

Multiple fake videos and false claims are being spread. Here are the facts:

FALSE CLAIM Source: BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya

"Wangchuk wants to turn India into Nepal/Bangladesh"

❌ What's being spread: Edited clip suggesting he wants violence

✅ THE TRUTH: From 35-minute speech on Sept 10, 2025. He cited these countries as examples but emphasized Ladakh must remain PEACEFUL through hunger strikes and non-violence.

Fact-checked by: BOOM Live
EDITED VIDEO Viral: March 2024

"Supporting China's invasion of India"

❌ What's being spread: Wangchuk telling locals to help China invade

✅ THE TRUTH: He was QUOTING a local comedian to highlight public frustration. Full context shows he was explaining why people feel abandoned, not advocating it.

Fact-checked by: The Quint, NewsChecker
DEEPFAKE Viral: Sept 2025

"Ladakh DGP admits false arrest on Defense Minister's orders"

❌ What's being spread: Video of DGP Dr. S.D. Singh confessing

✅ THE TRUTH: AI-generated DEEPFAKE. Audio manipulated using AI. Hiya AI detection tool confirmed it's fake.

Fact-checked by: Factly, PIB Fact Check (Govt of India)
OLD PHOTO 2020 photo shared in 2025

"Meeting with Bangladesh's current leader"

❌ What's being spread: Wangchuk meeting Muhammad Yunus as Bangladesh's leader

✅ THE TRUTH: Photo from 2020 when Yunus was just an economist/Nobel laureate. He became Bangladesh leader only in Aug 2024.

Fact-checked by: Alt News
MISLEADING Viral: Oct 2024

"Asking protesters to hide identity with masks"

❌ What's being spread: Wangchuk telling protesters to wear masks to hide identity for violence

✅ THE TRUTH: He advised masks to avoid diseases in large crowds and caps for sun protection during peaceful march.

Fact-checked by: Alt News

How to Spot Fake News About This Issue:

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Check for Edits

  • Is it a short clip from a longer video?
  • Does it cut off mid-sentence?
  • Missing date/context?

Verify Sources

  • Check BOOM Live
  • Check Alt News
  • Check The Quint WebQoof
  • Look for PIB Fact Check
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Red Flags

  • Emotional language ("anti-national")
  • No link to full video
  • Shared by political IT cells
  • Grainy/altered quality
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Verification Tools

  • Google Reverse Image Search
  • InVID for videos
  • Deepware Scanner for deepfakes
  • YouTube DataViewer

📊 The Pattern is Clear:

Every major development in Sonam Wangchuk's peaceful protest has been followed by:

  • ✓ Edited videos taken out of context
  • ✓ Old photos/videos shared as recent
  • ✓ Deepfakes and manipulated content
  • ✓ False translations and misquotes

Ask yourself: Why would they need to spread lies if the truth was on their side?

Take Action Now

📝 Sign the Petition

Add your voice to thousands demanding justice

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📧 Email Officials

Send pre-written messages to decision makers

📱 Share on Social Media

Spread awareness with #FreeSonamWangchuk

📞 Contact Representatives

Call or write to your local MPs and ministers

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Global Support

Organizations Supporting

  • Leh Apex Body (LAB)
  • Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)
  • Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL)
  • Human Rights Watch
  • Environmental activist groups worldwide

How You Can Help

  • Share verified information only
  • Participate in peaceful solidarity events
  • Write to international human rights organizations
  • Support Ladakhi students and communities
  • Donate to legal defense funds

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