Ladakh’s top police officer has launched a strong defense of the decision to detain prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), labeling him the “main instigator of violence” and revealing a probe into his alleged international connections following deadly protests in Leh that left four dead.
What are the Specific Allegations Against Wangchuk?
In a press conference on Saturday, Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal presented the state’s case against the renowned activist. The most serious allegation involves potential foreign interference. Jamwal claimed that a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) arrested last month had been sending videos of Wangchuk’s protests “across the border.” This, he implied, pointed to a larger conspiracy. The DGP also cited Wangchuk’s foreign visits—including attendance at an event hosted by Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper and a trip to Bangladesh—as suspicious, questioning his motives by referencing his online speeches about the Arab Spring.
How Did the Administration Justify the NSA Detention?
The Ladakh administration, in an official statement, justified Wangchuk’s detention as “important to restore normalcy.” They cited his “provocative speeches” that allegedly referenced protests in Nepal and the Arab Spring, arguing that his actions were “prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.” DGP Jamwal accused Wangchuk of working to “derail” political talks scheduled between Ladakhi representatives and the Central government, despite a new round of negotiations being set for October 6.
What is the Current Situation on the Ground in Ladakh?
As the police chief made these allegations, the administration began a phased relaxation of the curfew imposed after Wednesday’s violence. For the first time in three days, residents were allowed a brief window to access essential services under heavy security. The DGP provided details of the unrest, stating that 5,000-6,000 protesters had marched through Leh, targeting government buildings. He reported that 70-80 security personnel and a similar number of civilians were injured, with one CRPF jawan suffering serious spinal injuries.
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How are Political Parties Reacting?
The arrest has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, creating a starkly different narrative. The Ladakh Congress decried what it called a “vilification campaign and trumped-up charges,” affirming Wangchuk’s status as the “most visible and vocal face of the Ladakh agitation.” While Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray questioned the government for “dubbing anti-national” a person working for the people while interacting diplomatically with Pakistan, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the “pathetic handling of the matter.”
The situation is still tense, with the opposition’s accusations of harsh measures against the leader of a peaceful movement directly conflicting with the official narrative of a controlled operation to prevent wider disorder.
