Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Message from Jail: Probe First, Then Release

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the Leh violence. He stated that he is willing to remain in jail until an impartial investigation is ordered into the deaths of four people during the September 24 protest. Meanwhile, a crucial hearing is scheduled for Monday in the Supreme Court on a petition seeking his release.

While meeting his brother and lawyer in Jodhpur jail on Saturday, Wangchuk sent a message to the people of Ladakh. He appealed for peace and unity, saying the fight for statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule should continue in a Gandhian manner. "I am physically and mentally well," he wrote in the letter. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives."

Tensions have escalated in Ladakh following Wangchuk's arrest and the deaths of protesters. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have decided to withdraw from the proposed talks with Home Ministry officials on October 6 (today). Both organizations have clarified that no talks will take place until a judicial inquiry is conducted into the deaths of four people and all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, are released unconditionally.

Today, the Supreme Court will hear a petition filed by Geetanjali Angmo, Sonam Wangchuk's wife. A bench comprising Justices Arvind Kumar and NV Anjaria will hear the case. The petition, filed through senior advocate Vivek Tankha, challenges the imposition of the NSA on Wangchuk and demands his immediate release. The hearing is being closely watched by the entire nation.