Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the recent violence in Leh, has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of four protesters. Wangchuk, who is lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, said he is ready to remain in custody until such a probe is initiated.
Message from Jail: “I Am Well, Thank You for Your Prayers”
In a message conveyed through his elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and lawyer Mustafa Haji, who met him in jail, Wangchuk said he was doing well physically and mentally.
“I am doing well and thank everyone for their concern and prayers,” Wangchuk said. He offered condolences to the families of those killed in the Leh violence and expressed solidarity with those injured or arrested.
Calls for Inquiry and Peaceful Protest
Wangchuk demanded an independent judicial investigation into the killing of four people during the clashes and said,
“Unless that is done, I am prepared to stay in jail.”
He reaffirmed his support for the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been spearheading the demand for Statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“I appeal to the people to maintain peace and unity, and to continue our struggle peacefully in the true Gandhian spirit of non-violence,” Wangchuk added.
Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Wangchuk’s Detention
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status turned violent, leaving four people dead and 90 injured.
His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his detention under the NSA and seeking his immediate release. The plea is listed for hearing on October 6 before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria.
