Geetanjali Angmo visited her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, in Jodhpur Central Jail following his detention on allegations related to the September 24 Leh violence. The meeting took place on Tuesday, with Angmo accompanied by lawyer Ritam Khare.
In her post on X, Angmo stated that Wangchuk’s legal team has received a copy of his detention order, which they plan to challenge in court. This order outlines the specific allegations against Wangchuk, along with the reasoning for invoking the National Security Act (NSA).
Earlier, Wangchuk’s brother, Tsetan Dorje, visited him in jail on Saturday, also accompanied by lawyer Mustafa Haji. Following this visit, Haji shared on X that Wangchuk has insisted on an independent judicial inquiry regarding what he referred to as the unjust killing of four individuals during the protest in Leh.
“Wangchuk has expressed his willingness to stay in jail until such an inquiry takes place,” Haji noted. This statement underscores not only Wangchuk’s commitment to justice but also highlights the gravity of the situation surrounding the protests.
Meanwhile, Angmo has taken further action by filing a petition in the Supreme Court. The petition, aimed at securing her husband’s immediate release, is set for a hearing on October 14. This move indicates their resolve to navigate the legal challenges posed by Wangchuk’s detention.
Wangchuk, known for his advocacy for environmental and social justice in Ladakh, faced detention under the NSA after the protests erupted. These protests demanded statehood for Ladakh and sought to include the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which ensures autonomy and protection of indigenous cultures.
His initial detention occurred in Delhi before authorities moved him to Jodhpur Central Jail on September 26. The climate activist’s situation has reignited discussions regarding freedom of expression and the rights of activists in India, emphasizing the broader implications of the government’s handling of protest-related incidents.
Activists and public figures have rallied in support of Wangchuk, amplifying demands for his release and advocating for accountability regarding the violent unrest in Leh. As the upcoming court date approaches, many await developments in this high-profile case, which continues to capture national attention.
