Late on Friday evening, I received a message from a source in Ladakh informing me that activist Sonam Wangchuk had been detained and was likely to face stringent action.

The next couple of hours were tense for a television journalist like me —filled with constant live broadcasts and commentary on his arrest. To my surprise, I was soon sent to Leh, anticipating the possibility of further violence and unrest.

I left Srinagar in the fading evening light, watching the city slowly slip into shadow as our vehicle rushed its way towards the high mountain roads leading to Leh.

The familiar bustle of Srinagar gave way to winding stretches of highway, with the dim glow of roadside tea stalls flickering against the darkness. I knew the night was long, restless and tiring. At times, the silence

See Full Page