Jodhpur: A three-member advisory board set up by the Leh administration on Friday conducted a hearing for Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jodhpur Central Jail. Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) since September 26, faces allegations related to speeches during Leh protests that turned violent, resulting in civilian casualties.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, attended the nearly three-hour hearing, presenting her husband’s case before the board. The panel was chaired by former Justice M.K. Hanjura, with Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh, Manoj Parihar, and Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kargil, Spalzes Angmo as members. No official details about the proceedings were released as of Friday evening.
Gitanjali Angmo had earlier accused authorities of stalking and privacy violations, citing surveillance during jail visits, including recording of conversations by the Deputy Commissioner of Police and constables. She also filed a petition in the Supreme Court, calling her husband’s detention illegal and asserting that his peaceful, Gandhian environmental activism was being mischaracterized as anti-national. The petition highlights Wangchuk’s contributions to Ladakh’s education reforms, ecological protection, and support for the Indian Army through innovations like high-altitude shelters.
Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, is currently on a hunger strike and has stated his willingness to remain in custody until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the deaths during the Leh protests. In a letter from Jodhpur jail, he urged the people of Ladakh to continue their movement peacefully, emphasizing non-violence and Gandhian principles.
