Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S D Singh Jamwal, announced on Saturday that environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for purported connections with Pakistani elements. This investigation follows the recent arrest of a Pakistani intelligence operative who allegedly relayed videos of Wangchuk’s protests to the other side of the border.
Jamwal characterized Wangchuk as a pivotal figure in the violent protests on Wednesday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and left numerous others injured. The police detained Wangchuk under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) and transported him to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
“We cannot disclose the specific findings of our investigation into Wangchuk at this time. However, he has a significant history that is broadly accessible on platforms like YouTube,” Jamwal stated during a press conference. He stressed that Wangchuk’s speeches have incited unrest, drawing parallels to global events like the Arab Spring and civil disturbances in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
The DGP highlighted ongoing concerns about Wangchuk’s funding sources, hinting at possible violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). He mentioned a Pakistani intelligence operative’s involvement in disseminating footage of Wangchuk’s demonstrations, further complicating the case.
Wangchuk’s international engagements raised eyebrows. Jamwal noted his attendance at an event hosted by The Dawn in Pakistan and his visits to Bangladesh, labeling these travels as areas of concern.
Wangchuk stands as a leading figure in the agitation led by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, advocating for statehood and the extension of constitutional provisions to the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Jamwal accused Wangchuk of attempting to commandeer voices that should facilitate dialogue between Ladakh leaders and the Central government, especially with a new round of discussions scheduled for October 6.
Despite awareness of an informal meeting slated for September 25, Wangchuk defiantly continued his hunger strike, according to police reports. “A deliberate attempt to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere through inflammatory videos and statements occurred just a day before the meeting, leading to violence and tragic fatalities,” Jamwal remarked.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta mentioned a potential foreign conspiracy behind the Wednesday violence, revealing that three citizens from Nepal sustained bullet injuries amid the chaos, prompting further inquiries into additional involved parties.
Authorities have apprehended around 50 individuals linked to the violent protests, with at least six suspected to be ringleaders. “It is evident that Wangchuk, as the primary instigator, has been placed in an external jail for security reasons,” Jamwal concluded. (Agencies)
