Activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has approached the Supreme Court challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Ladakh administration.
The petition, reported by LiveLaw, comes amid growing tensions in the Union Territory following protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule.
Detention After Leh Violence
Wangchuk was detained shortly after violence erupted in Leh, where protestors clashed with police while pressing for statehood. Authorities claimed his role in instigating unrest, citing concerns over his “links” with Pakistan.
He has since been shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail, where he is currently lodged.
Wife Slams ‘Witch-Hunt’
Gitanjali Angmo has strongly criticised the government’s action, alleging that her husband is being targeted and defamed as an ‘anti-national’ to weaken the movement.
“A witch-hunt has been going on against us. Despite submitting documents clarifying all allegations to the CBI and the Income Tax Department, a smokescreen is being created to tarnish Sonam’s image,” she said.
Pakistan Visit Controversy
The Ladakh Police had flagged Wangchuk’s visit to Pakistan for a climate change conference earlier this year, suggesting links with the neighbouring country.
Defending him, Angmo said:
“Sonam attended a UN-backed climate conference in Pakistan where he even praised PM Modi’s ‘Mission Life’. There was nothing unlawful about it.”
Security Breach Questioned
Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal has claimed Wangchuk is under investigation following the arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative, who allegedly circulated videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border.
Angmo hit back, stating:
“If they claim a Pakistani was spotted in Ladakh, the real question is—how was there a security lapse? That is for the Ministry of Home Affairs to answer, not Sonam.”
Statehood Demands Continue
Sonam Wangchuk has been a prominent voice in Ladakh’s demand for full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would provide greater autonomy and protection for the region’s culture and resources. His detention has further ignited debates about dissent, democracy, and security in the strategically sensitive Union Territory
