Pakistan Angle in Sonam Wangchuk Arrest: Ladakh Activist Booked Under NSA, Curfew in Leh
Pakistan Angle in Sonam Wangchuk Arrest: A Pakistan angle has surfaced in the ongoing investigation against Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly instigating violence that led to the death of four protesters.
Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal, addressing a press conference, raised questions about Wangchuk’s visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh. He alleged that the activist had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and accused him of attempting to sabotage the ongoing statehood talks with the Centre.
The DGP further revealed that a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO), reportedly linked to Wangchuk, had been arrested recently. “We also arrested a Pakistan PIO who was in touch with him and reporting back across the border. We have records of this. He had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him,” Jamwal said while speaking to NDTV.
Wangchuk Charged Under NSA
Sonam Wangchuk has been booked under the National Security Act (NSA), which allows long preventive detention without the scope of bail. Sources suggest that he has been shifted to a high-security facility in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Meanwhile, curfew has been imposed in Leh and internet services suspended to curb the spread of misinformation. However, the administration has decided to relax the curfew in phases.
“We have decided to relax the curfew from 1 pm–3 pm in a staggered manner in the Old City. In the New Area, it will be relaxed from 3.30 pm–5.30 pm,” said DGP Jamwal.
Accusations of Instigating Violence
The police chief accused Wangchuk of instigating the violent protests on September 24 in Leh. “Sonam Wangchuk has had a history of instigating people. He has earlier referred to movements like the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh, drawing parallels to Ladakh,” Jamwal added.
The DGP further claimed that so-called environmental activists had attempted to “hijack the platform” and derail talks with the Centre, with Wangchuk being a key figure in the alleged disruption.
Probe Into Foreign Funding
Authorities are also investigating allegations of foreign funding violations. “The FCRA violation is a clear-cut case; it will be probed by another agency,” Jamwal confirmed.
The situation in Ladakh remains tense as investigations continue, with questions being raised about Wangchuk’s international associations and his role in the unrest.
