Home / Environment / Activists Demand Release of Environmentalist Arrested in Ladakh Unrest
Activists Demand Release of Environmentalist Arrested in Ladakh Unrest
5 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Activists mark 6th anniversary of Aarey Forest movement
- Demand release of Sonam Wangchuk, arrested during Ladakh unrest
- Protest plans for Metro Bhavan, zoo, and SRA complex in Aarey
On October 5, 2025, activists of the Save Aarey Forest movement in Mumbai held a demonstration to mark the sixth anniversary of their campaign. During the protest, they demanded the release of educationist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who was recently arrested in the aftermath of the unrest over the statehood demand in Ladakh.
The activists say Wangchuk's arrest and imprisonment have "shocked many nature lovers." They explain that Wangchuk was peacefully protesting for various rights of the people of Ladakh, and had even urged residents to use non-violence when the situation turned violent. The activists express surprise at Wangchuk's sudden jailing, given his calls for peaceful dialogue.
In addition to demanding Wangchuk's freedom, the protesters also sought to highlight their opposition to plans for a Metro Bhavan tower, a zoo, and an SRA complex within the Aarey green zone. They argue that these proposed developments will "fully destroy this green zone," which they have been fighting to protect for the past six years.
