‘Is India really free’, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali had questioned yesterday, slamming the BJP-led Centre
After reaching out to President Droupadi Murmu to seek her intervention for the release of her husband—climate activist Sonam Wangchuk—lodged in Jodhpur jail after being taken into custody following the September 24 violent clashes in Ladakh, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo on Friday moved the Supreme Court on Friday seeking his release. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is understood to have granted Wangchuk’s family permission to meet him in jail in Jodhpur. “His wife, brother, and Leh Apex Body (LAB) legal adviser are in Delhi and are on their way to meet Wangchuk in jail,” Tsering Dorjey, Co-Chairman of LAB, was quoted as saying
The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) represent political, religious, and social bodies of Leh and Kargil.
Wangchuk emerged as the face of the campaign for statehood and the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh after the region was granted Union Territory status after its separation from Jammu and Kashmir under the Article 370. The noted climate activist and educator was accused by police of inciting violence, referring to his statements, especially reference to the “Arab Spring and Gez Z” protest.
‘Is India really free’, questioned Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali
Gitanjali J Angmo, who is also the CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, on Thursday sharply criticised the BJP-led Centre, drawing parallels to colonial-era oppression and accused the Union Home Ministry of misusing the Ladakh Police to suppress public dissent. “Is India really free?” she questioned in a post on X, alleging that 2,400 Ladakhi police officers were deployed to control just 3 lakh civilians under the MHA’s direction.
Wangchuk is currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) at Jodhpur Central Jail. He is accused of inciting protests that led to four deaths in Leh. However, supporters claim his arrest is politically motivated, linked to his advocacy for the implementation of the 6th Schedule in Ladakh and his broader environmental and social activism.
Angmo strongly refuted allegations linking Wangchuk to Pakistani intelligence, calling them “baseless” and “agenda-driven.” Highlighting his stand against Chinese imports, she said, “When the UT government bought Chinese tablets, he urged people to fight China with our wallets, not bullets. How can such a man be anti-national?” She also defended their presence at a UN climate conference, arguing, “If India can play cricket with China, are the players anti-national? Attending a glacier conference doesn’t make someone an ISI agent.”
Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta stated that the Centre remains committed to resolving the region’s concerns through dialogue. “Talks with local leaders are ongoing, and dialogue will resume in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Wangchuk’s arrest has sparked widespread backlash, with civil society and opposition leaders accusing the government of cracking down on dissent. Activists argue that invoking the NSA in this case is legally and morally flawed. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan noted that the NSA allows detention only if there is a real apprehension of harm to peace or national security. “In Wangchuk’s case, it’s the detention itself that is disturbing peace. The arrest is malafide, unfair, and without justification,” Bhushan said.
Activist and political commentator Yogendra Yadav called the move “petty,” likening Wangchuk to “the Gandhi of Ladakh.” He emphasized that detaining such a figure only strengthens his message and national support. “If the government thinks it can diminish him by jail, they’re mistaken,” Yadav asserted. He noted that civil society groups nationwide are ready to stand with Wangchuk, even traveling to Ladakh if needed. “This is the man who led calls to boycott Chinese goods. Now, even ex-soldiers protesting are being labeled anti-national,” he added.
Meanwhile, dialogue between the Centre and Ladakh representatives has stalled. Both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) suspended talks, citing an untenable atmosphere. LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay said a “conducive environment” is essential for dialogue. KDA further demanded Wangchuk’s release and a judicial inquiry into the police firing in Leh as preconditions to resume negotiations.
The Union Home Ministry reiterated, “the government has always been open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with the Apex Body Leh (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time. We would continue to welcome discussions with ABL and KDA through the HPC on Ladakh or any other suitable platform”
