Sonam Wangchuk, an activist currently held in Jodhpur Central Jail, has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of four individuals during the Leh protest. He has expressed his readiness to remain in jail until this demand is addressed. Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police on September 26 and charged under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting protesters who were advocating for statehood for the Union Territory, which commenced on September 24.
Sajjad Kargili, representing the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), posted on X that Wangchuk’s message was communicated through his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, and advocate Mustafa Haji, who visited him in jail on October 4.
In his message, Wangchuk reported that he is in good health, both physically and mentally, and extended his thanks for the concern and prayers offered. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured and those arrested. Wangchuk’s primary message was a plea for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of the four protesters. He stated that he is prepared to remain incarcerated until this demand is satisfied.
He also reaffirmed his support for the Apex Body and the KDA in their demand for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Wangchuk stated, “I stand firmly with Apex Body and the KDA and the people of Ladakh in our genuine constitutional demand for Sixth Schedule and Statehood and whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly,” as shared in an X post by Kargili.
Kargili wrote: “Sonam Wangchuk’s message from Central Jail, Jodhpur. Today on the 4th of October Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley (Sonam Wangchuk’s elder brother) and advocate Mustafa Haji met Mr. Sonam Wangchuk at Jodhpur Central Jail. Mr. Sonam has conveyed the following message to the people of Ladakh and India.”