The BRICS Times
Reacting strongly to Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, his wife Geetanjali Angmo accused the government of spreading false narratives to tarnish his image. Angmo stated that Wangchuk was treated like a criminal without any reason and alleged police vandalized their home.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) and subsequently shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail. He has been placed in the high-security ward, where his movements will be closely monitored through 24-hour CCTV surveillance. Notably, Asaram Bapu is also in the same facility, though in a separate ward.
Also Read Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under NSA Following Leh Violence
This action came just two days after violent protests demanding statehood and constitutional protection for Ladakh, which left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory. In response, the Ladakh administration cut off all mobile internet connections in Leh district as a precautionary measure.
Wangchuk’s arrest was sudden amid rapidly unfolding events. He was scheduled to address a press conference at 2:30 PM on Friday in Leh, but his absence alarmed organizers. Soon after, it emerged that a team led by Police Director General SD Singh Jamwal had apprehended Wangchuk from his village, Uliakotopo.
Uncontrolled Youths Triggered Violence
Despite his absence, the press conference continued, with organizers acknowledging that recent violence was due to uncontrolled youth. They strongly denied any foreign involvement in the incidents. Chering Dorje, co-chair of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), called for a judicial inquiry into Wednesday’s violence, which caused four deaths.
Ministry of Home Affairs Failed to Call for Timely Dialogue
Dorje accused the police and CRPF of firing indiscriminately at protesters without attempting non-lethal methods like water cannons or warning shots. He said, “We made it clear that if the Ministry of Home Affairs does not summon us for timely talks, we will intensify our movement. We also stated our protest will remain peaceful and nonviolent.”
The 35-day hunger strike led by Sonam Wangchuk began on September 10 with a joint prayer meeting. The central government subsequently issued an invitation for October 6. Meanwhile, the Himalayan region remains tense. Curfew continued in Leh for the third consecutive day, but no untoward incidents were reported elsewhere in the Union Territory.
Violence Erupted During Protest
Following widespread violence on Wednesday evening, curfew was imposed. Earlier, protests demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh escalated into violence, resulting in four deaths. A police officer stated, “The security situation across Ladakh is peaceful. Restrictions may ease later in the day to allow access to essentials.”
Over 50 people were detained after clashes, while prohibitory orders were enforced in other major towns, including Kargil, restricting gatherings of five or more. A high-level team from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already reached Leh to review the situation.
Also Read Centre Accuses Sonam Wangchuk of Triggering Ladakh Violence Over Statehood Protest
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Wangchuk’s arrest came a day after the revocation of the FCRA license of his organization, Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing alleged financial irregularities. Opposition leaders criticized the government for its handling of the situation.
Expressing strong opposition, Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, accused the government of spreading false narratives to malign her husband’s reputation. She added that he was treated like a criminal without justification and claimed the police had vandalized their home.
Also Read Leh Violence Triggered by ‘Arab Spring-style’ Remarks: What Govt Said on Sonam Wangchuk
Questioning BJP’s Principles
Referring to the BJP, Angmo stated, “They should not propagate lies as they are doing.” She questioned the party’s principles, asserting that BJP’s foundation rests on falsehoods rather than Hindu values. Some opposition parties alleged that Wangchuk’s arrest reflects the government’s selective action against dissenters.
Allegations of Broken Election Promises
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the arrest “regrettable” and accused the BJP-led central government of reneging on its 2020 hill council election promises. He described the action as a betrayal of Ladakh’s people. Congress General Secretary and party communication chief Jairam Ramesh condemned the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under NSA in a post on X.
Akshay Didwaniya
