Across India, opposition parties have intensified their criticism of the central government’s management of the escalating crisis in Ladakh. Their condemnation specifically targets the detention of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
Leaders from the Congress party described the government’s handling as ‘pathetic’ and called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths of several protesters earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lauded Mr. Wangchuk as a ‘patriot’ and demanded his immediate release.
The unrest in Ladakh stems from ongoing protests advocating for statehood and tribal status under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule. These demonstrations escalated into violence recently, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four protesters during clashes with security forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused Mr. Wangchuk, a leading figure in these protests, of inciting the demonstrators, leading to his detention under the NSA just two days after the violent clashes.
Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA as Leh Tensions Escalate Over Statehood Demand
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests in Leh, where residents are demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Four people were killed in the unrest, prompting a strict curfew and increased security. Authorities allege that Mr. Wangchuk’s speeches incited the violence. More than 50 individuals have been detained, with Mr. Wangchuk transferred to Jodhpur prison for public safety.
On Saturday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly denounced the government’s ‘pathetic handling’ of the Ladakh situation and the ‘draconian’ arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. He asserted that the crisis is fundamentally rooted in the BJP’s repeated failure to address the genuine aspirations of the people of Ladakh.
‘Is He a Terrorist?’
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the decision to transfer Mr. Wangchuk to Jodhpur’s high-security Central Jail. He asked, ‘What sudden event led to the invocation of the stringent NSA against Mr. Wangchuk, resulting in his transfer from Ladakh to distant Jodhpur? Is he a terrorist? Ironically, he has previously been a strong supporter of the Prime Minister.’
Joining the chorus, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Central Committee member Tanuj Khatri described Mr. Wangchuk’s detention as ‘a blow to the soul of democracy,’ equating it to an assault on the sentiments of Ladakh’s populace. Similarly, Aam Aadmi Party’s Political Affairs Committee member Durgesh Pathak from New Delhi characterized the action as reflective of the ‘dictatorial nature of the current government.’
Mr. Khatri highlighted Mr. Wangchuk’s history of speaking out against foreign aggression, questioning how defending border security and Ladakh’s rights could be deemed a crime rather than an act in the national interest.
An Unkept Promise
In a statement posted on social media, Mr. Kharge highlighted that Ladakh has been in turmoil for over a year. He accused the Modi government of responding to the people’s pleas for Sixth Schedule inclusion with violence, rather than patiently addressing their concerns. Kharge reminded that the BJP had previously promised Sixth Schedule status for the region, a pledge he believes has now been completely abandoned.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also brought up the BJP’s 2020 election promise, noting that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had recommended Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh back in 2019. This recommendation, he stated, had received no objection from the Union Ministries of Home Affairs, Tribal Affairs, and Law and Justice, as documented in media reports.
Mr. Ramesh lamented, ‘Sonam Wangchuk was merely reiterating this demand. Yet, he now finds himself imprisoned without bail, while we are expected to consider ourselves the ‘mother of democracy.”
Both Mr. Pathak and Mr. Khatri affirmed that the demands of Ladakh’s populace for statehood and tribal status under the Sixth Schedule are ‘rightful,’ ‘entirely democratic,’ and ‘justified.’ They both called for the immediate dropping of NSA charges and the release of Mr. Wangchuk.
In his statement, Mr. Kharge emphasized that the Indian National Congress’s sole objective is peace in Ladakh. He stated, ‘For decades, we have worked to ensure this beautiful border region remains harmonious and secure, upholding both the spirit of democracy and national security. It is imperative that democratic institutions and democratic principles are revived and restored in Ladakh.’
Concurrently, outside the Central Jail in Jodhpur, where Mr. Wangchuk is being held, activist Vijay Pal from Churu district demonstrated his support. Waving the Tricolour and chanting slogans for Mr. Wangchuk, he was subsequently taken to a nearby police station for questioning.