Activist in Isolation in Jodhpur Jail; Police Cite Alleged Links to Pakistan
Srinagar: Authorities in Ladakh imposed a four-hour relaxation of curfew in Leh on Saturday due to public outcry following the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. His detention has sparked controversy amid claims of excessive police force that resulted in four fatalities and approximately 80 injuries during clashes on September 24.
Wangchuk, a recipient of the Magsaysay Award, was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail, known for housing high-profile criminals and convicts. Reports indicate he has been placed in solitary confinement and is under direct supervision by jail staff. The rationale behind his transfer to this high-security facility has not been disclosed by officials.
Police have accused Wangchuk of making “provocative” remarks during his hunger strike from September 9 to 24, demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Authorities argue that he undermined discussions with the government. Tensions escalated to violence following a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Youth, part of a coalition of political and religious entities known as the Leh Apex Body.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has charged that police engaged in “shoot-on-sight” tactics, asserting that there was no warning prior to the use of lethal force. Ladakh’s Director General of Police, SD Singh Jamwal, countered these allegations, stating that security personnel acted in self-defense during an aggressive protest where nearly 6,000 individuals were reported to have caused widespread damage, targeting government offices and setting fire to a political party’s facility and the LAHDC building. Jamwal noted that 15 police officers and 17 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel sustained injuries in the unrest.
Wangchuk’s arrest is part of a broader scrutiny involving allegations of foreign funding, particularly connections to a Pakistani “person of interest.” This has led to investigations into the financial aspects of his activism under provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The KDA has categorically rejected these allegations, demanding a judicial inquiry. KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai characterized Wangchuk as a “peace-loving Gandhian,” dismissing the charges against him as fabricated and urging for his immediate release.
BJP functionary and LAHDC-Leh chairman Tashi Gyalson described the events of September 24 as the “darkest day in the history of Ladakh” and indicated a formal request for a comprehensive investigation has been made to Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta. The Leh Bar Association also voiced support for Wangchuk, emphasizing that labeling him as anti-national could harm India’s global reputation and calling for clarification on police actions during the incident.
In Jodhpur, police increased security measures around the jail after detaining a supporter of Wangchuk who arrived to offer solidarity. Jodhpur Central Jail has previously housed notorious figures, including convicted rapist Asaram and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, among others.
The situation continues to develop as authorities and various factions in Ladakh respond to the ongoing unrest and demands for a resolution.
