Srinagar, Sep 26 (NationPress) Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, on Friday, expressed his disapproval regarding the detention of Ladakhi climate advocate Sonam Wangchuk for allegedly instigating violence in Leh earlier this week.

In a post on his official X account, the Congress MP stated: "We strongly denounce the arrest of the esteemed environmentalist and educator Sonam Wangchuk. The government has failed to uphold law and order and protect the rights of its citizens in Ladakh, resorting to desperate measures to shift focus away from its failures."

"Employing the National Security Act to suppress dissenting opinions is a troubling trend that erodes democracy and the rights of citizens," he added.

"The people of Ladakh possess a rightful claim to voice their grievances, seek Sixth Schedule status, democratic self-governance, and safeguard their unique cultural and environmental heritage. Their demands are both constitutional and justified."

"We stand united with the people of Ladakh, Wangchuk, and all individuals advocating for their legitimate rights," he asserted.

"We call for respect for citizens' rights, substantive dialogue, and an end to the arbitrary detention of leaders."

"We urge the government to reassess its approach and prioritize dialogue and collaboration to achieve a peaceful resolution to the issues in Ladakh."

Earlier on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, labeled the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk as 'extremely unfortunate'.

This was echoed by former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti, who expressed her condemnation of Wangchuk's arrest on X, stating, "The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is profoundly troubling. A lifelong proponent of peace, sustainability, and truth is being penalized merely for advocating the fulfillment of promises. Presently, Leh is under curfew with an internet blackout, a stark reminder of what Kashmir has long endured."

"In contemporary India, voicing truths to power incurs a significant cost; how else could a man, who has dedicated his life to peace and non-violence, find himself imprisoned?"

Sonam Wangchuk had initiated a hunger strike on September 10, advocating for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, statehood, and the protection of the region's delicate ecosystem.

On September 24, unruly mobs clashed with security forces when Sonam Wangchuk concluded his fast.

These mobs set fire to a CRPF vehicle with the intent to harm the CRPF personnel inside.

Additionally, mobs torched the BJP office and the Leh apex body office, along with numerous vehicles.

In self-defense, security forces opened fire, resulting in the deaths of four protesters and injuries to 70 others, according to officials.

In response, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh on September 24 to maintain order, which was later extended to Kargil.

All educational institutions in Ladakh have been closed until September 28, and internet services have been suspended in the region.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directly accused Sonam Wangchuk of making incendiary statements that incited violence among protesters.

The MHA also revoked the FCRA registration certificate of Sonam Wangchuk's NGO, the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), after uncovering multiple FCRA violations by the organization.

An uneasy calm has settled over Leh as the curfew continues for a third day on Friday.