Ladakh: Ladakh Director-General of Police S.D. Singh Jamwal confirmed on Saturday that activist Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for allegedly having ties with Pakistan following the arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative last month, who reportedly sent videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border.
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday and lodged in a Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Authorities have kept details of the ongoing investigation confidential. “The probe is underway. His profile and past activities are publicly available, and some of his speeches have acted as instigation by referencing protests such as the Arab Spring and recent unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka,” Jamwal said.
The police chief further pointed to Wangchuk’s foreign visits as part of the investigation, describing them as suspicious. “He attended an event organized by The Dawn in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh,” Jamwal noted.
Wangchuk has been a prominent face of the agitation led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance demanding statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule to the Union Territory. According to the DGP, Wangchuk allegedly attempted to hijack the dialogue platform and disrupt talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, scheduled for October 6.
“Despite an informal meeting on September 25, Wangchuk continued his hunger strike. A day before the meeting, provocative videos and statements were circulated, resulting in violence and unfortunate deaths on Wednesday,” Jamwal added.
Regarding the violence, three Nepali nationals sustained bullet injuries and were admitted to hospitals, with further involvement of others coming to light. Authorities have detained 50 people so far in connection with the unrest, including at least six suspected ringleaders. “Wangchuk, being the main instigator, has been lodged in an outside jail,” the DGP said.
The investigation also includes scrutiny of foreign funding and potential violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
