Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, has urged people to remain calm, as he is “doing well both physically and mentally” and reaffirmed his resolve to continue the struggle for Ladakh’s constitutional rights through peaceful means. Wangchuk has further demanded an independent judicial probe into the deaths of four people in violent protests in Ladakh and said he was willing to remain in Jail until such an inquiry is ordered.
In a statement conveyed by his lawyers, Mustafa Haji and elder brother KaTsetanDorjey Ley, who met him in jail yesterday, Wangchuk said he was “doing well both physically and mentally” and expressed gratitude for the concern and prayers pouring in from across the country.
Appealing to the people of Ladakh to keep calm and maintain peace, he asked them to keep unity and continue the struggle peacefully, in the true Gandhian way of non-violence.”
He added, “I stand firmly with the Apex Body, the KDA, and the people of Ladakh in our genuine constitutional demand for the Sixth Schedule and Statehood. Whatever the representative body decides in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them.”
While expressing grief over the incidents, Wangchuk offered solidarity with the families of those killed and extended prayers for the injured and arrested. The Ladakh administration has accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence.
Wangchuk was detained and arrested last week under the National Security Act (NSA) following the violent protests, which left four people dead and more than 100 injured.
Why the protests?
The Ladakhi protesters are demanding constitutional safeguards, including protection of the land and environment, and job reservation under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
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