Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S D Singh Jamwal, announced on Saturday that activist Sonam Wangchuk is under scrutiny for purported links with Pakistan. This investigation follows the arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative who reportedly sent videos of Wangchuk’s protests into Pakistan.
Jamwal described Wangchuk as a principal figure in violent protests that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries. The police detained Wangchuk under the National Security Act and transferred him to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
“The details of the investigation into Wangchuk remain confidential at this stage,” Jamwal stated. However, he emphasized Wangchuk’s history of provocative rhetoric, drawing parallels to the Arab Spring and unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
“Evidence suggests that Wangchuk had his own agenda. We are also exploring allegations of foreign funding against him,” Jamwal added. Notably, the police have a Pakistani intelligence operative who relayed videos of the protests led by Wangchuk across the border.
Wangchuk’s foreign travels raised suspicions, including his attendance at an event organized by The Dawn in Pakistan, as well as a visit to Bangladesh. Jamwal underscored the troubling nature of these trips.
The prominent activist represents the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which seeks statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. Jamwal accused Wangchuk of trying to disrupt dialogues between Central authorities and Ladakh representatives in pursuit of these goals.
The Central government has called for fresh negotiations on October 6, aiming to address the concerns of Ladakhi leaders. However, Wangchuk’s continuation of a hunger strike on the eve of an informal meeting on September 25 raised alarms among officials. “Just a day before the meeting, a provocative video circulated, contributing to the unrest that led to the tragic incidents on Wednesday,” Jamwal stated.
On the broader implications of the violence, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta suggested a foreign conspiracy was at play, especially after three Nepalese citizens suffered gunshot wounds during the clashes. Police records indicate that around 50 individuals have been taken into custody concerning the unrest, with at least six identified as potential ringleaders.
“Clearly, Wangchuk has emerged as the primary instigator behind these events and now faces incarceration in a distant jail,” Jamwal asserted.
The Ladakh region stands at a crossroads, balancing the aspirations of its people with the intricate dynamics of regional politics. Authorities remain vigilant in addressing potential disruptions while aiming to restore peace and dialogue in the aftermath of these violent events. Further updates on the ongoing investigation will be forthcoming.
