Leh, Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist in Ladakh, is under investigation for potential links with Pakistan, according to S D Singh Jamwal, the Director General of Police in the region. The inquiry follows the arrest of a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative last month who reportedly transmitted videos of protests back to Pakistan.
The police chief described Wangchuk as a significant figure behind the unrest that erupted recently, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals and numerous injuries.
Wangchuk faced detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and has been moved to a facility in Jodhpur, Rajasthan for further scrutiny.
Jamwal remarked, “Certain findings from our investigation cannot be disclosed at this moment. However, examining Wangchuk’s profile and his speeches, which are widely available on platforms like YouTube, reveals a pattern of instigating tensions. His references to the Arab Spring and civil unrest in nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka indicate an ulterior motive.”
Authorities are investigating potential violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) related to foreign funding linked to Wangchuk. “We have apprehended a Pakistani operative who was reportedly sending footage of the protests led by Wangchuk across the border,” he added.
Citing Wangchuk’s foreign travels, the police chief flagged them as concerning. He noted Wangchuk’s participation in an event organized by The Dawn in Pakistan and a visit to Bangladesh, suggesting ambiguous affiliations.
Wangchuk has been an instrumental figure in the agitation led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, advocating for the restoration of statehood and seeking the application of the Sixth Schedule in the Union Territory.
Despite ongoing dialogue efforts with the central government, Jamwal contended that Wangchuk attempted to undermine these discussions. The Centre has scheduled a new round of dialogue for October 6.
The police chief pointed out that despite knowing about an informal meeting set for September 25, Wangchuk persisted with his hunger strike. “Just a day before the meeting, he seemed to deliberately incite unrest through provocative videos and statements, culminating in the violence that followed,” he stated.
In light of the violence on Wednesday, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta mentioned possible foreign conspiracy, highlighting the admission of three Nepalese citizens into a local hospital due to gunshot wounds, suggesting broader involvement.
Authorities have apprehended approximately 50 individuals connected to the unrest, with half a dozen considered primary suspects. Jamwal affirmed, “It’s clear that Wangchuk, as the principal instigator of the violence, has been placed in an out-of-state jail for security reasons.”
