Leh (Ladakh): Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal on Saturday said that 44 people have been arrested in connection with the September 24 violence in Leh, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
Addressing a press conference, DGP Jamwal said, “We have arrested 44 people so far. The main ring leaders have been nabbed. Sonam Wangchuk, the key player, has been booked under NSA charges.”
Jamwal further alleged Wangchuk’s links with Pakistan, pointing to his visits abroad. He said the police had earlier arrested a Pakistan PIO who was in contact with Wangchuk. “We have a record of this. He attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. So there is a big question mark on him. Investigation is underway,” he added.
The DGP also accused Wangchuk of instigating the September 24 violence in Leh. “He has a history of provoking people, citing examples of the Arab Spring, Nepal and Bangladesh. His funding sources are also being probed for possible FCRA violations,” Jamwal said.
Following his arrest in Ladakh on Friday, Wangchuk was shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail under NSA provisions. Officials confirmed he was lodged there late last night.
His detention comes amid unrest triggered by protests in Leh that turned violent on September 24, during which the BJP office was set ablaze. Two days earlier, four people had died in police firing during clashes in the Union Territory.
Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, had been on a hunger strike, which ended soon after the violence erupted.
