Wangchuk, celebrated for inspiring the Oscar-winning documentary Three Idiots, launched an indefinite fast-unto-death on March 7, 2025, in Leh's Shahtoosh Ground to protest the ecological devastation in Ladakh. His hunger strike, supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demands full implementation of the Sixth Schedule protections for the fragile Himalayan region, safeguards against unchecked industrial mining, and statehood for Ladakh. The protest, echoing the Chipko movement's legacy, drew global attention to climate change threats like glacier melting and water scarcity in this biodiversity hotspot.
However, Wangchuk was abruptly detained by authorities under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), alongside over 300 supporters. The charges, vaguely tied to "anti-national activities," have been slammed as politically motivated by activists. Rizvi's petition, filed on October 2, underscores the humanitarian crisis: "A week has lapsed since his arrest, yet neither his deteriorating health nor the rationale behind this draconian action is known," she stated in court documents. Wangchuk, 58, suffers from pre-existing conditions, and his prolonged fasting raises fears of severe organ damage.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the case imminently, with legal experts urging interim relief. This development intensifies scrutiny on the Modi government's handling of regional autonomy demands in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation. As Ladakh's fragile ecosystem hangs in the balance, Wangchuk's plight symbolizes the high stakes of environmental justice in India.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International have condemned the UAPA's misuse, calling for transparency. Supporters rally online with #FreeSonamWangchuk, amplifying calls for democratic dialogue over suppression. Will the apex court intervene to prevent a tragedy? The nation watches anxiously.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
1.jpg)
