Leh Police Investigate Sonam Wangchuk’s Alleged Pakistan Ties

The police in Leh, located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, are investigating activist Sonam Wangchuk for alleged connections to Pakistan and foreign funding, which they believe may have played a role in recent violent protests. During a press conference on September 27, 2023, SD Singh Jamwal, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Ladakh, raised concerns about Wangchuk’s international activities, particularly following the unrest that occurred on September 24, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries among civilians and security personnel.

DGP Jamwal noted that police had detained a person of Indian origin from Pakistan who reportedly had been in contact with Wangchuk. This individual had attended an event hosted by the newspaper Dawn in Pakistan and had also traveled to Bangladesh. Jamwal emphasized the need for further investigation into Wangchuk’s international ties, stating, “This raises a big question mark on his connections.”

The DGP accused Wangchuk of inciting the violent protests that disrupted the region, claiming that he and others described as “so-called environmental activists” delivered provocative speeches that undermined discussions with the central government. “An unfortunate incident occurred on September 24. There were attempts to sabotage these ongoing processes,” he stated. Jamwal specifically pointed to Wangchuk’s history of making statements that could derail negotiations, calling him a central figure in the unrest.

Investigation into Wangchuk’s funding sources has also been initiated, focusing on potential violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). When questioned about foreign involvement in the protests, Jamwal confirmed the arrest of two additional individuals, although their connections to a broader conspiracy remain unclear. He highlighted the historical migration of Nepalese laborers in the region, suggesting that this matter warranted further scrutiny.

Currently, Sonam Wangchuk is detained in Jodhpur Central Jail under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA). His arrest follows a series of chaotic protests in Leh, which included acts of arson targeting a local office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and coincided with the end of his hunger strike.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Wangchuk’s alleged involvement in the recent violence, pledging strict action against those perceived to be inciting unrest in the Union Territory. As the situation develops, the implications of these investigations could significantly affect the political landscape in Ladakh and the broader region.