Ladakh’s Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal announced on Saturday that activist Sonam Wangchuk faces scrutiny for purported links with Pakistan. This development follows the arrest of a suspected Pakistani Intelligence Operative who allegedly disseminated videos of Wangchuk’s protests into Pakistan.
According to Jamwal, Wangchuk emerged as a crucial figure behind violent protests that tragically claimed four lives and left many others injured on September 25. Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act occurred on Friday, leading to his transfer to a Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Jamwal stated, “The findings of the investigation related to Wangchuk cannot be disclosed at this moment.” He emphasized that Wangchuk’s public persona and rhetoric, available on platforms like YouTube, appear to incite unrest, referencing his discussions on global movements akin to the Arab Spring and recent tensions in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Further complicating matters, Jamwal indicated that authorities are exploring allegations of foreign funding and violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) against Wangchuk, claiming the arrested operative transmitted videos of protests. “We suspect that his activities received support from outside,” he stressed.
The police chief remarked on Wangchuk’s international engagements, stating, “He attended an event by The Dawn in Pakistan and participated in gatherings in Bangladesh, which we find troubling.”
Wangchuk has long been a prominent advocate for the people of Ladakh, leading campaigns for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule provisions. His role as a leader has drawn considerable attention, particularly following Wednesday’s tumultuous events.
Jamwal accused Wangchuk of trying to undermine planned discussions between the central government and Ladakhi representatives. The Centre has slated new talks for October 6, aiming to address regional aspirations and concerns.
“Wangchuk chose to continue his hunger strike knowing that a dialogue was imminent on September 25,” Jamwal added. “His actions instigated unrest, which erupted into violence following the provocative materials he circulated.”
Amidst the investigation, Jamwal reaffirmed that three Nepalese nationals suffered bullet wounds amidst the chaos, further complicating the narrative of local unrest with potential international implications. “Several individuals have been apprehended, with 50 in custody related to Wednesday’s violence, including several suspected ringleaders,” he revealed.
“It is evident that Wangchuk, as the primary instigator, now faces consequences for his actions,” Jamwal concluded. The evolving situation continues to raise questions about activism in the region and its impact on local stability.
