Leh, October 2 — Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, wrote to President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urging her to intervene for her husband’s unconditional release from Jodhpur jail, where he has been held under the National Security Act since September 26. Angmo alleged a “witch-hunt” against Wangchuk for advocating Ladakh’s rights over the past four years and expressed concern over his health and lack of basic amenities, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Wangchuk’s detention followed violent clashes in Leh on September 24, which left four dead and scores injured during protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. In her three-page letter, forwarded through Leh’s deputy commissioner, Angmo described the arrest as “illegal,” noting that a station house officer informed her but failed to explain legal rights. She added that Wangchuk was not allowed to take clothes and questioned if he received fresh attire, medicines or care after his 15-day fast in September weakened him.
“We request for an unconditional release of Wangchuk, a person who can never be a threat to anyone, leave alone his Nation. He has dedicated his life to serve the brave sons of soil of Ladakh and stands in solidarity with the Indian Army in defence of our great nation,” Angmo wrote, as reported by PTI. She highlighted his peaceful Gandhian efforts on climate change, educational reforms and grassroots innovation, including building shelters for army personnel, and asked, “Is it a sin to fight against reckless and unchecked development activities in an ecologically fragile area of Ladakh?”
Angmo, founder and CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), claimed she faces CRPF surveillance and that two institute members were detained three days ago. She appealed to Murmu’s tribal background for empathy toward Ladakh’s people, citing recent disasters in Uttarakhand, Himachal and the Northeast as lessons on fragile ecosystems.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a security review on Wednesday, announcing phased lifting of restrictions and emphasizing dialogue to resolve issues. No response from the central government was immediately available.
The Chenab Times News Desk