Media outlets edit Sonam Wangchuk video, then label him “traitor”

NEW DELHI, Oct 1 (AP/Reuters) —
A video circulated online shows activist Sonam Wangchuk urging people not to resort to violence, but certain media outlets reportedly aired an edited version of it and labeled him a "traitor."

Same old pattern of Godi media to label Sonam Wangchuk as a traitor.

In this video, it is clear that he was appealing to people not to use violence like in Nepal and Bangladesh.

But Godi media, on behalf of the BJP, played an edited version to run propaganda. pic.twitter.com/YOLMdFhB03

— Saral Patel (@SaralPatel) September 30, 2025

The unedited video, shared by user Saral Patel on X, shows Wangchuk making a public appeal against using violence, referencing unrest in Nepal and Bangladesh. X (formerly Twitter) However, media aligned with the ruling party ran a shortened or altered clip that left out parts of that message and added editorial commentary. X (formerly Twitter)+1

Wangchuk, a vocal advocate for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh, was arrested on September 26 amid protests over demands for statehood and local rights. Reuters His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, issued a statement calling the portrayal of him as anti-national “baseless” and part of a politically driven campaign. The Times of India

No response was available from the media outlets accused of broadcasting the altered footage at the time of reporting.

Observers and supporters say the incident fits a pattern in which dissenting voices are recast through selective editing. Analysts have called for independent verification of full video footage and media accountability.

Authorities have not commented on whether any legal action would be taken over the edited broadcasts.