Ladakh Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal announced on Saturday that Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for allegedly having links with Pakistan. This development follows the arrest of a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative last month, who reportedly transmitted videos of Wangchuk’s protests to Pakistan.
Jamwal labeled Wangchuk as a pivotal figure behind the violence that erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to many others. The police chief stated that Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act and transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
“What we have found in the investigation against Wangchuk is sensitive, and we cannot disclose specifics at this moment,” Jamwal said. The police chief referred to Wangchuk’s history and public statements, highlighting how they may have incited unrest. He specifically noted Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring and recent turmoil in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Further allegations suggest that Wangchuk may have received foreign funding, leading to a violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The ongoing investigation revealed that a Pakistani intelligence operative was involved in relaying videos of protests spearheaded by Wangchuk.
Jamwal pointed to Wangchuk’s international engagements, stating that he attended a program hosted by The Dawn in Pakistan alongside similar suspicious visits to Bangladesh. Such activities have raised questions about Wangchuk’s motives and potential connections.
Wangchuk has emerged as the face of the agitation led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which advocates for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to the Union Territory. Jamwal accused Wangchuk of attempting to undermine negotiations with the central government, despite being aware of an informal dialogue scheduled for September 25.
The DGP emphasized that Wangchuk’s hunger strike persisted even when the potential for discussion with the Centre loomed. He indicated that a planned attempt to disrupt peace occurred just a day before the informal talks.
According to Jamwal, provocative videos and statements attributable to Wangchuk contributed to the unrest that led to the violence on Wednesday. He added that investigations into the violence revealed that three Nepalese nationals required hospitalization for gunshot wounds, indicating the involvement of foreign elements.
In total, authorities have detained about 50 individuals in connection with the violent events. The DGP identified at least six as key ringleaders, with Wangchuk regarded as the principal instigator. “He has been lodging in an outside jail, ensuring that further mischief cannot arise from his influence,” Jamwal remarked.
This situation emerges as the Centre prepares to convene a fresh round of talks with local leaders on October 6. While authorities continue to investigate the links between Wangchuk and overarching foreign conspiracies, the people of Ladakh remain vigilant about the potential impact of these developments on their ongoing struggle for statehood and representation.
