Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S D Singh Jamwal, announced Saturday that renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for alleged connections to Pakistan. This follows the recent arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative, who reportedly transmitted videos of Wangchuk’s protests into Pakistan.
Police linked Wangchuk to violent incidents on September 27 that resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. Officials detained him under the National Security Act and transferred him to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
“What has been uncovered in this ongoing investigation cannot be made public at this time,” stated Jamwal. He emphasized that Wangchuk’s past speeches on platforms such as YouTube have raised concerns, with some comments presumably instigating unrest by referencing movements like the Arab Spring.
The police chief expressed apprehension about Wangchuk’s agenda, citing a probe into potential foreign funding violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Jamwal revealed that a Pak-Indo operative reported from across the border, notably sending protest videos.
Among his travels, Wangchuk attended events in Pakistan’s The Dawn and made a visit to Bangladesh, stirring further suspicion according to the police chief.
Wangchuk has emerged as a leading figure in the agitation for statehood for Ladakh, representing the combined voices of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. His activism advocates for extending the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to the Union Territory.
Jamwal expressed concern that Wangchuk attempted to divert discussions aimed at resolving issues between the central government and Ladakh’s representatives. Despite knowing a crucial informal meeting was scheduled for September 25, Wangchuk continued his hunger strike.
“Just a day before the informal meeting, a deliberate attempt was made to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere through provocative videos and statements which culminated in violence and unfortunate deaths,” he stated, referring to the context of the unrest.
On the topic of foreign conspiracy, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted incidents involving three Nepalese citizens who sustained bullet injuries during the unrest, hinting at broader implications of outside influences.
The police have taken 50 individuals into custody concerning the violence, with several identified as potential ringleaders. Jamwal confirmed, “Wangchuk, the primary instigator, has been detained in an out-of-state jail.”
Authorities plan to pursue further inquiries as the community grapples with the aftermath of these violent events. The Centre has invited leaders for renewed discussions slated for October 6, aiming to address the region’s ongoing demands for statehood and governance reforms.
