Sonam Wangchuk pushes back on 'Arab Spring' claims
Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk says he never threatened to overthrow the government, despite what's been suggested in court.
Kapil Sibal, appearing for Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, argued that a video months before his September 2025 detention was edited out of context—Wangchuk was actually calling for peaceful protest and criticizing government inaction, not stirring up violence.
Sibal pointed out that speaking up is a democratic right and said such sentiments do not threaten the security of the State.
The video also came months before Wangchuk's detention in September 2025.
Why is Wangchuk in the spotlight?
Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act since last September, after protests in Leh turned deadly.
He's known for pushing for Ladakh's statehood and greater local rights, as well as his work on climate action and grassroots education and environmental conservation.