New Delhi, Oct 8: Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, along with his legal team, met him in Jodhpur Central Jail on Tuesday night following his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). During the visit, they obtained a copy of his detention order, which they plan to legally challenge.
Speaking on X, Angmo described her husband’s resolve, saying, “His spirit is undaunted. His commitment resolute! His resilience intact! He conveys heartfelt thanks to all for their support and solidarity.”
Wangchuk was detained on September 26 following violent clashes in Ladakh that left four dead and around 80 injured during the statehood agitation. The Supreme Court, on October 6, issued a notice to the Central Government on a writ petition filed by Angmo challenging his detention. The Union Government, Ladakh UT administration, and Jodhpur Central Jail Superintendent were named as respondents.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Angmo, argued that the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention were not communicated to his family, hampering their ability to file an effective representation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered that the detainee himself had been served with the grounds, though he agreed to consider providing a copy to Angmo.
Justice Aravind Kumar confirmed that Angmo would be allowed to meet her husband according to prison rules. The Court also ensured that Wangchuk would receive medical attention within permissible norms.
Angmo has strongly denied allegations by the Ladakh Police that her husband was in contact with Pakistani intelligence and expressed concerns over the lack of information regarding his health and the charges against him. She termed the claims as part of a fabricated narrative aimed at discrediting Wangchuk’s statehood movement for Ladakh.
“This is absolutely wrong and false. He has always advocated tackling challenges diplomatically, not violently,” Angmo stated, defending her husband’s image as a committed activist.