Ladakh violence: Congress leader condemns Sonam Wangchuk's arrest after the protest

AAP members hold posters in support of Sonam Wangchuk during a protest over his arrest in New Delhi. Pic/PTI

The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk amid the ongoing protest in Ladakh has fuelled political controversy. Wagchuk, who has been arrested under the stringent National Security Act, was allegedly involved in intensifying the protest, which later turned violent. Congress leader Shama Mohamed on Saturday condemned the climate activist's arrest and demanded his release, reported news agency ANI.

While speaking to the media, the Congress Spokesperson said that Wangchuk's arrest "is unfair and undemocratic".

"In a democracy, if people protest, you do not pass the National Security Act. The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is unfair and undemocratic. They (the central government) promised them (the people of Ladakh) in the last panchayat elections about the 6th Schedule. Now they cannot keep it, and they want to convince the people that they are good, so they arrest the person who was initially with them when Ladakh was made into a UT," asserted Mohamed.

"The Indian government claims the protests are pre-planned. Why didn't the intelligence pick up despite the fact that Ladakh is a high-intelligence zone? What is that man called Ajit Doval doing? It is time he should resign, and Sonam Wangchuk should be released at the earliest. We fully condemn his arrest," she added.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Ladakh, SD Singh Jamwal, while clarifying Wangchuk's arrest, said that provocative speeches were made by "so-called environmental activists", leading to Ladakh violence on Wednesday, reported ANI.

Addressing a press conference in Leh, the senior police officer alleged that there was an attempt to sabotage the talks between the representatives from the Union Territory and the Centre.

The DGP highlighted, "An unfortunate incident occurred on September 24. Four lives were lost, and a large number of civilians, police officers and paramilitary officers were injured. There were attempts to sabotage these ongoing processes (talks with the Centre). This involved some so-called environmental activists; there is a question mark on their credibility as well. They tried to hijack the platform, and the prime name here is Sonam Wangchuk, who has earlier also delivered such statements and worked to derail the process."

The DGP further asserted that CRPF officers were beaten up, and at least three women police officers were also stranded in the building that was burnt.

Wangchuk has been lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail following his detention under the provisions of NSA in connection to Ladakh violence, officers said.

(With inputs from ANI)