Ladakh – Ladakh’s Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal has strongly defended the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention, describing the renowned climate activist as the “main instigator of violence” during Wednesday’s deadly protests. The controversial arrest under the National Security Act has sparked intense political debate and raised questions about the treatment of prominent activists in sensitive border regions.
The Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention came after protests that resulted in four deaths and over 100 injuries, marking what police described as unprecedented violence in Ladakh’s history. Jamwal’s defense of the detention includes serious allegations of foreign connections and potential security threats.
Alleged Pakistan Intelligence Connections
Police have made explosive claims regarding the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention, alleging that a Pakistani Intelligence Operative arrested last month had been systematically sending videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border. This alleged connection forms a central part of the justification for the controversial arrest under national security provisions.
“He had his own agenda. There is a probe of foreign funding, violation of FCRA against him… We have a PIO with us who was reporting across the border, sending videos of the protests led by Wangchuk,” Jamwal stated, suggesting that the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention was necessary to investigate potential foreign interference in domestic political activities.
Foreign Travel and International Connections Under Scrutiny
The police chief cited Wangchuk’s international engagements as suspicious factors leading to the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention. Specifically mentioned were his attendance at events in Pakistan, including a gathering organized by Dawn newspaper, and travels to Bangladesh, which authorities view as potentially compromising activities.
Jamwal questioned Wangchuk’s broader regional advocacy, stating, “If we go by the profile of Sonam Wangchuk, everything is available on YouTube where he is speaking about Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Arab Spring. There is a big question mark on him.” This comprehensive international engagement pattern has become central to justifying the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention.
Political Opposition and Support for Activist
The Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention has generated fierce opposition from political parties across the spectrum. Ladakh Congress leadership asserted that no amount of “vilification campaign and trumped-up charges” would diminish Wangchuk’s standing as the “most visible and vocal face of Ladakh agitation,” challenging the legitimacy of the arrest.
National political figures have also criticized the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemning what he described as “pathetic handling of the situation” and the use of what he termed the “draconian National Security Act” against the prominent activist.
Unprecedented Violence and Security Response
Police described Wednesday’s events leading to the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention as unprecedented in Ladakh’s history. According to official accounts, 5,000-6,000 protesters marched through Leh starting at 11 AM, targeting government buildings and political party offices in what authorities characterized as organized violence.
The security response that preceded the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with 32 security personnel seriously injured on the first day and 70-80 police and CRPF personnel injured overall. Among civilians, similar numbers were injured, with one girl requiring critical care airlift.
Administrative Justification and Legal Framework
Official statements defending the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention cited his “provocative speeches” referencing international movements including the Nepal agitation and Arab Spring. The administration argued that the detention was “important to restore normalcy” and prevent actions “prejudicial to maintenance of public order.”
The legal framework supporting the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention includes allegations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) violations and concerns about foreign funding sources. These charges suggest a broader investigation into the activist’s international connections and funding mechanisms.
Curfew Relaxation and Current Situation
Following the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention and related arrests, authorities began phased curfew relaxation for the first time since Wednesday’s violence. Restrictions were lifted for limited periods, allowing residents to access essential services under heavy police and CRPF surveillance.
The relaxation period passed peacefully with no incidents reported, suggesting that the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention and other security measures have temporarily stabilized the situation. However, long queues outside shops and ATM kiosks demonstrated the impact of extended restrictions on daily life.
Political Criticism and National Debate
The Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention has become a flashpoint for broader political debate about activist rights and national security. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government’s approach, questioning the logic of arresting someone “working for our forces” while maintaining other international relationships.
This political controversy surrounding the Sonam Wangchuk NSA detention reflects deeper tensions about balancing security concerns with civil liberties in sensitive border regions, where local grievances intersect with broader geopolitical considerations and national security imperatives.
