The Supreme Court will hear today the plea for the release of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested after the Leh violence. His wife, Gitanjali, has filed a petition calling the arrest illegal and demanding immediate release.
New Delhi: A crucial hearing is set to take place today in the Supreme Court regarding the release of environmental activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested following the recent violence in Leh. His wife, Gitanjali Wangchuk, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, deeming her husband's arrest illegal and demanding his immediate release.
Arrest Following Leh Violence
On September 24, sudden violence erupted in Leh. During this violence, protestors damaged government properties and set fire to the local headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following this incident, police imposed a curfew to control the situation and also suspended internet services in several areas.
Four people died in the violence, while dozens were injured. Police investigation revealed that Sonam Wangchuk's role in the entire incident is suspicious. It is alleged that some of his statements and speeches incited the protest, after which the crowd turned violent.
Case Registered Under NSA
Two days after the incident, on September 26, Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody. A case has been registered against him under the National Security Act (NSA). This act is applied in cases where an individual's activities are considered a threat to national security or public order.
According to government sources, it was also claimed during the investigation that some of Wangchuk's organizations have ties to the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. However, these claims have not yet been independently confirmed.
Wife Gitanjali Files Petition in Supreme Court
Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Wangchuk, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against her husband's arrest. She states that Sonam was wrongly arrested under political pressure.
Gitanjali has stated that Sonam Wangchuk has always worked for peace and environmental protection and has never supported violence. She also alleges that the government arrested him under a harsh law like the NSA without concrete evidence.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on this petition for today, October 6. In this hearing, the court will determine whether legal procedures were followed during the arrest.
What Happened in the Leh Violence?
On September 24, a crowd protesting for Ladakh's autonomy and local employment suddenly turned violent. The crowd damaged several vehicles and government buildings. When the police tried to control the situation, it escalated, and the police had to open fire.
Four people died in this firing, and several were injured. Following this, the administration imposed a curfew, and security forces were deployed in the area for several days.
Investigation into Foreign Funding Against Wangchuk Also Initiated
According to police sources, indications of foreign funding transactions through two of Sonam Wangchuk's NGOs have been found. Investigating agencies are now thoroughly probing these transactions.
However, Sonam Wangchuk has completely rejected these allegations. He stated that all his organizations are legally registered and operate transparently.
Who is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned educationist and environmentalist. He is known for promoting alternative education and sustainable lifestyles in Ladakh.
He founded an organization called SECMOL (Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), which provides practical and life-based education to local students. The character 'Phunsukh Wangdu' in Aamir Khan's film “3 Idiots” was based on his philosophy.
Wangchuk has long advocated for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant its people rights over their resources and land.
Wangchuk's Appeal – "Maintain Peace"
After his arrest, Sonam Wangchuk issued a message via social media from Jodhpur jail. He stated that he is physically and mentally completely healthy and appealed to his supporters to maintain peace.
He wrote, “I urge all the people of Leh to stay away from any kind of violence. We will seek a solution only through legal channels. My deepest condolences go out to the affected families.”
