Leh, Sept 27,: Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) S.D. Singh Jamwal Saturday levelled serious allegations against environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, accusing him of instigating violence in Leh on September 24 that claimed four lives. Speaking at a press conference, the police chief alleged that Wangchuk’s past activities and associations have raised questions over his credibility.
Jamwal said police had recently arrested a Pakistan-based person of Indian origin who was allegedly in contact with Wangchuk. He pointed out that the activist had attended a Dawn Media event in Pakistan and also travelled to Bangladesh. “There is a big question mark on him. He has a history of drawing parallels with movements like the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The investigation into his funding and possible FCRA violations is ongoing,” the DGP said.
He further claimed that Wangchuk’s speeches provoked the unrest in Leh, where demonstrations turned violent last week. “Some so-called environmental activists delivered provocative speeches and hijacked platforms meant for dialogue. The prime name here is Sonam Wangchuk, who has earlier also attempted to derail talks with the Centre,” Jamwal alleged.
The DGP, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, added that during the continuing probe, two more people have been detained to ascertain whether they were part of a larger design. He noted that the presence of Nepalese workers in Ladakh also necessitated scrutiny.
Turning to the events of September 24, Jamwal described the situation as unprecedented for Ladakh. “Four lives were lost and several paramilitary personnel and civilians sustained injuries. The violence caused significant damage and undermined the efforts that were underway for dialogue between the Centre and the local bodies, Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance,” he said.
He stressed that since the formation of the Union Territory, political demands for Sixth Schedule safeguards and statehood had been under consideration, but the violence attempted to sabotage the ongoing process. “The law will take its course. We will not allow vested interests to hijack the aspirations of Ladakh’s people,” the police chief added. [KNT]
