Activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently incarcerated in Jodhpur Central Jail, has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of four individuals during a protest in Leh. He has stated his willingness to remain in jail until this demand is met. Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police on September 26 and charged under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly instigating protestors who were demonstrating for statehood of the Union Territory, which began on September 24.
Sajjad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), shared a message from Wangchuk through his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, and advocate Mustafa Haji, who visited him in jail on October 4.
In his message, Wangchuk expressed his well-being, both physically and mentally, and thanked supporters for their concern and prayers. He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the injured and arrested. Wangchuk’s main message emphasized the necessity of an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of the four protesters, and reiterated his commitment to remaining in jail until this inquiry is initiated.
He also reaffirmed his support for the Apex Body and the KDA in their campaign for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Wangchuk declared his unwavering support for the Apex Body and KDA, as well as the people of Ladakh, in their legitimate constitutional demand for the Sixth Schedule and Statehood. He pledged to stand wholeheartedly with any actions the Apex Body undertakes in the interest of Ladakh. This message was shared on X by Kargili.
Kargili wrote: “Sonam Wangchuk’s message from Central Jail, Jodhpur. Today on the 4th of October Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley (Sonam Wangchuk’s elder brother) and advocate Mustafa Haji met Mr. Sonam Wangchuk at Jodhpur Central Jail. Mr. Sonam has conveyed the following message to the people of Ladakh and India.”