SRINAGAR: Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, currently held in Jodhpur Central Jail, has sent a message assuring that he is “doing well both physically and mentally” and reaffirming his commitment to pursuing Ladakh’s constitutional rights through peaceful means.
He called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths that occurred during recent violent protests in Ladakh and stated he is prepared to remain in jail until such an inquiry is conducted.
In a statement relayed by his lawyer Mustafa Haji and elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, who met him in jail yesterday, Wangchuk thanked people across the country for their concern and prayers.
Appealing to the residents of Ladakh to stay calm, he urged them to “maintain peace and unity and continue the struggle peacefully — following the true Gandhian principle of non-violence.”
“I stand firmly with the Apex Body, the KDA, and the people of Ladakh in our legitimate constitutional demand for Sixth Schedule recognition and Statehood,” Wangchuk said. “I fully support any actions taken by the Apex Body in the interest of Ladakh.”
Expressing sorrow over recent incidents, he extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayers for the injured and arrested.
Wangchuk was detained last week under the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests that claimed four lives and left over 100 people injured. The demonstrators were demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including protection of land, environment, and employment under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Ladakh administration has accused Wangchuk of inciting the unrest.
