Justifying his arrest under the NSA and transfer to Jodhpur, the UT authorities stated that Wangchuk was “engaged in activities harmful to state security”
Leh
A Pakistan link has surfaced in the investigation against Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, arrested yesterday for allegedly inciting a mob that resulted in violent clashes and the death of four protesters in Ladakh last Wednesday.
Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal, during a press conference, raised questions about Wangchuk’s past visits to Pakistan. He said the activist attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and accused him of attempting to sabotage the ongoing statehood discussions with the central government.
DGP Jamwal also revealed the arrest of a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO) who had been in contact with Wangchuk. “We also arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have records of this. He had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him,” the DGP told NDTV. He added that surveillance has been placed on the individual involved in sending information.
Sonam Wangchuk has been charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), allowing for extended preventive detention without bail, and sources indicate he has been moved to a facility in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A curfew has been imposed in Leh, and internet services suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation. Plans have been announced to relax the curfew in a staggered manner in both the Old City and new areas.
The DGP accused Wangchuk of instigating violence in Leh on September 24, drawing comparisons to the Arab Spring and protests in Nepal and Bangladesh. He also raised questions about the credibility of environmental activists involved and indicated that investigations into alleged foreign funding violations under the FCRA are ongoing.
