Sonam Wangchuk Demands Independent Judicial Probe into Leh Violence, Vows to Remain in Jail Until Inquiry Ordered

Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people — including an ex-serviceman — during the September 24 protests in Leh. The demonstrations, which sought the restoration of statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule, had turned violent.

Wangchuk’s message was conveyed through his brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and his lawyer Mustafa Haji, who met him at Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday. “He has urged Ladakhis to maintain peace and unity and to continue their struggle in a peaceful, Gandhian manner,” said people familiar with the matter.

In his message, Wangchuk stated that unless an independent probe is initiated into the incident, he is “prepared to stay in jail.” The Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning activist, renowned for his work in education and environmental sustainability, also expressed full support for the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in their demand for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and the restoration of statehood.

“Whatever actions the Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I stand with them wholeheartedly,” Wangchuk said in his letter. He also assured supporters that he was “doing well, both physically and mentally,” and expressed condolences to the families of those killed while extending prayers for the injured and detained.

Both the Leh Apex Body and the KDA had earlier withdrawn from talks with the Union Home Ministry, which were scheduled for October 6, demanding a judicial probe into the killings and the immediate, unconditional release of all detainees, including Wangchuk.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging his detention under the NSA and seeking his immediate release, terming the detention “illegal and unconstitutional.”