AI-Generated Deepfake Videos Are Sparking Heated Debates on Social Media Over Ladakh Protests

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A few days after massive Ladakh protests, where four people were killed and around 90 people were injured, AI deepfake videos are fueling violence through social media platforms. The officials have said that it is a systematic attempt to cause chaos in the region.

How are Deepfake Videos Sparking Violence?

The AI-generated deepfake videos involve Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC). These videos are altered using AI to mislead the Union Territory public. 

The altered footage shows SD Singh making claims that Sonam Wangchuk was arrested after orders from the Indian Defence Minister. A complaint has been filed against the people who created these videos, and the officials have announced that they will take strict action against them.

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Accusations Against HIAL

The investigation into the violent protests in Ladakh has shifted towards the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), an institute founded by the climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Several cases have been filed against HIAL for issuing degrees to students despite their not being registered at a university.

Kavinder Gupta, a Ladakh Lieutenant Governor, has said, “Irregularities have happened, and all those involved in HIAL and others will be probed. Wrong won’t be done to anyone, but reality must come forth.”

Allegations Against Geetanjali Angmo & Her Take on Ladakh Protests

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, faces scrutiny and potential investigation for alleged irregularities at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), where she serves as CEO. Accusations include illegally issuing degrees, financial irregularities, and violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

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After the protests turned violent, Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) for inciting violence in the crowd with his provocative speeches. He was taken to the Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan. 

Geetanjali went to the Supreme Court, discarding the allegations against Wangchuk. She also wrote, “I have sought relief from the Supreme Court of India through a Habeas Corpus petition against Wangchuk's detention. It is one week today. Still, I have no information about Sonam Wangchuk's health, his condition, nor the grounds of detention.”

Geetanjali had previously taken a stand against the torture of people of Ladakh after the massive protests. She has reportedly compared Ladakh’s current situation to India’s during British rule.

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She said, “Is India really free? In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians under orders from the Queen.” Geentajali further added, “Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2400 Ladakhi police to oppress and torture 3 lakh Ladakhis under the orders of the MHA.”