New Delhi: Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging her husband’s detention.
“I have sought relief from the Supreme Court of India through a habeas corpus petition against Sonam Wangchuk’s detention. It has been a week, yet I have no information about his health, condition, or the grounds of his detention,” Angmo wrote on social media.
The Home Ministry of India has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence in Leh. The activist, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10, ended his fast after clashes broke out in the town and was later taken away in an ambulance. He was subsequently booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are leading protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the 6th Schedule, have called for the unconditional release of Wangchuk and others detained on September 24. They also sought accountability for the firing incident that left four civilians dead — Jigmet Dorjey of Kharnak, Rinchen Dadul of Hanu, Stanzin Namgail of Igoo, and Tsewang Tharchin of Skurbucha.
Authorities, however, maintained that security forces opened fire in self-defence after protesters pelted stones, torched a CRPF vehicle with personnel inside, and attacked the local BJP office and the office of LAB. The vehicle of DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal was also damaged, with the police chief sustaining bruises.
Civil society groups have continued to press for Wangchuk’s release and a peaceful resolution of Ladakh’s political demands.
