'Will stay in jail until judicial inquiry launched': Sonam Wangchuk
What's the story
Sonam Wangchuk, the detained climate activist and education reformer, has said he will remain in Jodhpur Central Jail until an independent judicial inquiry is launched into the recent killings in Ladakh. The activist was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) last month after violent protests demanding Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh left four dead due to police firing.
Message from prison
Wangchuk extends condolences to families of deceased
Wangchuk's lawyer, Mustafa Haji, and his elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley met him on Friday, relaying his message to the people of Ladakh and India. He thanked everyone for their concern and prayers, saying he was doing well physically and mentally. Wangchuk also extended his condolences to the families of those killed in recent violence in Leh.
Call for inquiry
Ready to stay in jail until inquiry is launched
Wangchuk demanded an independent judicial probe into the killings, saying he is ready to stay in jail until this is done. He also reiterated his support for the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance's (KDA) demands for Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh. "Whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly," he said.
Detention controversy
His detention has drawn flak
Wangchuk's detention has been widely criticized by opposition parties and civil society groups. The Ladakh police have accused him of having links to Pakistan, and the home ministry has canceled his NGO's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act license. A Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry is pending against him. Meanwhile, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, alleged she hasn't been allowed to meet or speak with her husband since his detention.