Ladakh administration defends Sonam Wangchuk's arrest under NSA to 'restore peace'

Srinagar, Sept. 27 -- The Ladakh administration has justified the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), saying it was necessary "to restore peace and normalcy" in Leh and to prevent further law-and-order breakdown.

They alleged that his hunger strike and protest were driven by "personal and political ambitions."The government said his series of "provocative" speeches, references to Nepal agitations, the Arab Spring and "misleading videos" resulted in the violent protests of September 24.

In a late night statement, the Ladakh Directorate of Information & Public Relations said that Wangchuk, resident of Uley Tokpo, Leh, was detained under the National Security Act, 1980 and later moved to Jodhpur j...