SRINAGAR, Oct 5: Renowned environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), has sent out a message of reassurance and resolve, stating that he is “doing well both physically and mentally” and remains fully committed to continuing the movement for Ladakh’s constitutional rights through peaceful and non-violent means.
In a message conveyed by his lawyer, Mustafa Haji and elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, who met him in jail on Saturday, Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the widespread concern, prayers, and solidarity shown by people across the country. He appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain calm, maintain peace and unity, and continue their struggle through non-violent methods inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. “I urge my people to uphold peace and unity and carry forward our struggle in the true Gandhian spirit of non-violence,” he said.
Reaffirming his unwavering support for Ladakh’s constitutional aspirations, Wangchuk declared, “I stand firmly with the Apex Body, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and the people of Ladakh in our genuine demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Whatever decisions the Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I support them wholeheartedly.” He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed during the recent violence and extended prayers for those injured and detained.
Wangchuk further called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths during the September 24 protests, which erupted amid demands for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s land, environment, and employment. “I am prepared to stay in jail as long as it takes until a fair and impartial inquiry into the deaths is ordered,” he said, underlining the movement’s emphasis on justice and accountability.
The climate activist was detained under the stringent NSA on September 26, just two days after the protests turned violent, leaving four people dead and over 100 injured. While the Ladakh administration has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence, his supporters and civil society groups maintain that he has consistently advocated peaceful protest and dialogue to secure Ladakh’s rights and protect its fragile ecological balance.