Ladakh Violence / Ladakh DGP reveals Sonam Wangchuk was in contact with a Pakistani official

Ladakh Violence: The atmosphere in Ladakh has become tense following the recent violence. A day after the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal made a major revelation in a press conference on Saturday. He accused Wangchuk of having links with Pakistan and raised serious questions about his travels to neighboring countries. This statement casts doubt on the security and political stability of Ladakh, where four people were killed in violence on September 24.

Contact with Pakistani Intelligence Officer: DGP Claims

Addressing a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal said, "We recently arrested a Pakistani PIO (Person of Indian Origin Passing Intelligence to Pakistan) who was sending reports across the border. We have records of this. Sonam Wangchuk was in contact with this person." He further stated that Wangchuk had attended an event for Pakistan's leading newspaper, Dawn, and had also traveled to Bangladesh. "These travels raise serious questions. An investigation is underway."

This revelation comes after Ladakh police arrested 44 people, including Wangchuk, the main accused. The DGP stated that the violence was premeditated and fueled by Wangchuk's inflammatory speeches. He also questioned Wangchuk's funding, which is under investigation for violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). "The funds received by him are being investigated. This is a clear case of violation," Jamwal added.

September 24 Violence: Four Deaths, 80 Injured

On September 24, a peaceful protest in Leh demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh turned violent. Protesters set fire to the local BJP office and attacked government vehicles. Police used tear gas, lathicharge, and firing, killing four civilians and injuring around 80 others. Seventeen CRPF personnel were also injured.

The government held Wangchuk primarily responsible. The Home Ministry said that his speeches incited the mob by invoking movements such as the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh. "Wangchuk tried to disrupt the ongoing talks between the central government and local representatives," an official said. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike (which had been going on since September 10) after the violence, but the government says he did not try to control the situation.

Arrest under NSA: Shift to Jodhpur Jail

On Friday, Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. The NSA allows long-term detention without bail. The Ladakh administration issued a statement saying, "Wangchuk's activities pose a threat to the security of the state. Keeping him in Leh was not in the public interest." Upon arrival at the jail, he underwent a medical checkup and was placed in a high-security ward.

Before his arrest, Wangchuk had said, "Arresting me could cause more problems. I will continue to be the voice of Ladakh even in jail." He alleged that the central government was using his arrest as a plot to deflect attention to Ladakh's demands.

Suspicion of Foreign Hand: Nepali Nationals Under Watch

When asked about the involvement of foreign elements at a press conference, DGP Jamwal said, "Two more people have been arrested in the investigation. Whether they are part of a larger conspiracy is unclear. Ladakh has a history of Nepali laborers, so a thorough investigation is necessary." He attributed the violence to inflammatory speeches by "so-called environmental activists."

Political Reactions: Protests and Support

The opposition reacted sharply to Wangchuk's arrest. Congress leader Digvijay Singh called it an "attack on democracy," while AAP's Atishi said, "Wangchuk is the voice of Ladakh's identity." The Ladakh Buddhist Association also condemned the action. The BJP, meanwhile, said the action was "necessary for national security."

Ladakh, which separated from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and became a Union Territory, is demanding statehood and constitutional protections. The center stated that talks are ongoing with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, but "obstructive" elements like Wangchuk have hampered the process.

The Way Forward: Investigation and Appeal for Peace

The DGP announced some relaxations in the curfew, but internet services remain suspended in Leh. The center has called a meeting of the high-powered committee on October 6. Experts believe this incident will give a new direction to the Ladakh autonomy debate, but allegations of a Pakistan connection have complicated it.