The Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk: A Trial Not of a Man, But of an Idea

Throughout history, there have been several instances where thoughtful or social leaders have clashed with those in power and ended up behind bars.

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From Mahatma Gandhi before India's independence, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, to Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar — their arrests shook the foundation of trust between power and society. The recent arrest of Ladakh's environmentalist and educator Sonam Wangchuk has also become symbolic — it is not merely a legal act, but a question tied deeply to the soul of democracy. Ladakh is not just a geographical region but a crucial center for India's border security. It shares boundaries with both China and Pakistan. In high-tension areas like Galwan, Doklam, and Siachen, the local inhabitants of Ladakh have continuously supported the Indian Army. Even during the 1999 Kargil War, it was the tip-off from a shepherd that revealed Pakistan's intentions. In this context, the detention of a widely respected local leader like Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) makes the matter not just legal, but diplomatic and a national security issue. Police allege that Wangchuk was involved in violence and firing during pro