Uddhav Thackeray, the head of Shiv Sena (UBT), voiced strong criticism on Saturday, September 27, 2025, concerning the central government’s actions. He specifically questioned the arrest of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy: “The very person who developed innovative solar tent technology to aid our Army in challenging terrains is now being labeled an anti-national, while we continue to play cricket matches against Pakistan.”
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Mr. Thackeray passionately appealed to “patriots” across the nation to boycott the upcoming Asia Cup cricket final scheduled for Sunday, which features a highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan.
In a further demonstration of his stance, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister also called upon various companies to refrain from advertising during the controversial India-Pakistan cricket match.
This outcry follows the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday, who was charged under the severe National Security Act (NSA). His arrest occurred just two days after violent protests erupted in the Union Territory of Ladakh, claiming four lives and injuring 90 people. The protests were centered on demands for statehood and robust constitutional protections for the region’s residents.
Reflecting on Wangchuk’s detention, Mr. Thackeray remarked, “It is truly unfortunate. Sonam Wangchuk, a visionary who created solar tent technology for the Indian Army, tirelessly working for our forces, is now being branded as anti-national and arrested under the NSA. Meanwhile, our nation continues to play cricket with Pakistan, a country that actively propagates terror in India. What exactly does this say about our patriotism?”
Mr. Wangchuk is a prominent figure within both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). For the past five years, he has been at the forefront of a movement advocating for statehood and critical constitutional safeguards for the people of Leh and Kargil. These regions comprise the Union Territory of Ladakh, which was established from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.
Opposition parties have consistently challenged the Central government’s decision to permit the Indian cricket team to compete against Pakistan in tournaments like the Asia Cup. They argue that it is morally indefensible to participate in sporting events with a nation widely regarded as a sponsor of terrorism.
Notably, India and Pakistan, perennial rivals, had recently competed on September 14 in their first match since ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched by India in May. This operation targeted terror bases in Pakistan-controlled territories in response to the tragic killing of 26 individuals in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.