Geetanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, visited him at Jodhpur Central Jail on October 10, following his arrest stemming from the September 24 Leh violence. During her visit, Angmo confirmed the receipt of Wangchuk’s detention order, which will be challenged in court by his legal team.
In a post on X, Angmo detailed the allegations against her husband, emphasizing the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA). The order outlines the reasons authorities claim justified the harsh legal measures against Wangchuk, a prominent environmentalist.
Last Saturday, Wangchuk’s brother, Tsetan Dorje, also met him in jail, accompanied by lawyer Mustafa Haji. Subsequently, Haji shared that Wangchuk insisted on an independent judicial inquiry into the tragic deaths of four individuals during the protests in Leh last month. “Wangchuk has expressed his willingness to remain in jail until such an inquiry is conducted,” Haji wrote on X.
In a significant legal move, Geetanjali Angmo filed a petition in the Supreme Court calling for her husband’s immediate release. The hearing for this plea is slated for October 14, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Known for advocating environmental and social causes in Ladakh, Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA follows violent clashes during protests seeking statehood for Ladakh and support for its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. His activism has drawn national attention, making his recent detention controversial.
After his arrest, Wangchuk first faced detention in Delhi before authorities transferred him to Jodhpur Central Jail on September 26. This transfer has raised questions among supporters and legal experts regarding the treatment of political dissent in the country.
Sonam Wangchuk remains a vital figure in the discourse surrounding environmental conservation in Ladakh, advocating for sustainable practices to preserve the unique ecology of the region. His current situation has sparked widespread discussions among activists and citizens alike, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for environmental justice.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many await the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Wangchuk’s petition, as it may pave the way for significant implications on the treatment of activists under the national security framework.
