Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S D Singh Jamwal, announced on Saturday that Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for purported links to Pakistan. This scrutiny arises after the recent arrest of a suspected Pakistani Intelligence Operative, who allegedly transmitted videos of rural Ladakh protests across the border.
Wangchuk, widely recognized as a significant figure in regional political movements, is presently in custody under the National Security Act (NSA) and has been transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Jamwal cited Wangchuk as a critical actor in the violence that erupted on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries.
“The investigation’s findings related to Wangchuk are sensitive and cannot be fully disclosed at this time,” Jamwal stated. “However, if one examines his profile and history, much information is available from his public speeches on platforms like YouTube. His rhetoric often references global uprisings, drawing parallels with the Arab Spring and unrest in nations such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.”
Authorities raised concerns about Wangchuk’s motives, suggesting potential foreign funding and violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The police chief confirmed they have obtained video reports from the arrested Pakistani agent that depict protests organized by Wangchuk.
Pointing to Wangchuk’s international engagements, Jamwal mentioned his participation in an event hosted by *The Dawn* in Pakistan and a trip to Bangladesh, describing these as questionable. This reinforces suspicions about his allegiances and objectives.
Wangchuk has emerged as a key leader within the agitation movement spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, which advocates for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to the Union Territory.
Jamwal criticized Wangchuk for seemingly attempting to derail discussions between the Central Government and Ladakhi leaders. He emphasized that despite being aware of the planned dialogue, which was scheduled for October 6, Wangchuk maintained a hunger strike just days before.
“On September 25, a deliberate attempt was made to incite unrest, as evidenced by provocative videos and statements that led to violent disruptions and tragic fatalities,” Jamwal added.
In response to concerns raised by Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta regarding a foreign conspiracy linked to the disturbances, Jamwal confirmed that three Nepalese nationals had sustained gunshot wounds during the clashes. This revelation sparked further inquiries into the involvement of various individuals in the chaos.
By now, police have apprehended around 50 individuals connected to Wednesday’s riots. Of these, approximately six are identified as suspected ringleaders, with Wangchuk noted as the primary instigator now lodged in an external facility.