Leh (Ladakh): Ladakh’s Director General of Police (DGP), S.D. Singh Jamwal, on Saturday alleged links between activist Sonam Wangchuk and Pakistan, questioning his visits to neighbouring countries.
At a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal revealed that police had earlier arrested a Pakistan PIO who was in contact with Wangchuk. “He attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him… investigation is underway,” he said.
Jamwal further accused Wangchuk of instigating violence in Leh on September 24. “He has referred to movements like the Arab Spring, Nepal and Bangladesh. We are probing his funding sources for possible FCRA violations,” he added.
When asked about foreign involvement in the unrest, Jamwal confirmed that two more people had been detained. “Whether they are part of a larger design cannot be said yet. Leh has a history of Nepalese labourers, so we will investigate,” he told ANI.
The DGP blamed “so-called environmental activists” for delivering provocative speeches that derailed dialogue with the Centre. “The September 24 incident claimed four lives, injured many civilians and security personnel, and sabotaged the ongoing talks. The prime name here is Sonam Wangchuk,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk has been shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA) following his arrest in Ladakh. His detention comes days after the violent protests in Leh, during which the BJP office was set ablaze.
Officials said Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike, ended it after the violence broke out. He now faces charges of “inciting violence.”
