Sonam Wangchuk, the activist currently held in Jodhpur Central Jail, has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killings that occurred during the Leh protests. He has declared that he is prepared to remain in jail until this inquiry is established. Wangchuk was apprehended by Leh police on September 26 and charged under the National Security Act (NSA), accused of inciting protesters who were demonstrating for statehood for the Union Territory, which began on September 24.
Sajjad Kargili, representing the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), posted on X that the message from Wangchuk was delivered through his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, and advocate Mustafa Haji, who visited him in jail on October 4.
Wangchuk’s message conveyed his good health, both physically and mentally, and expressed gratitude for the concern and prayers received. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured and those arrested. The central focus of Wangchuk’s message was the call for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of the four protesters. He stated his readiness to remain imprisoned until this demand is fulfilled.
Additionally, he reiterated his backing for the Apex Body and the KDA in their efforts to secure Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Wangchuk stated: “I stand firmly with Apex Body and the KDA and the people of Ladakh in our genuine constitutional demand for Sixth Schedule and Statehood and whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them wholeheartedly.” This statement was shared on X by Kargili.
Kargili wrote: “Sonam Wangchuk’s message from Central Jail, Jodhpur. Today on the 4th of October Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley (Sonam Wangchuk’s elder brother) and advocate Mustafa Haji met Mr. Sonam Wangchuk at Jodhpur Central Jail. Mr. Sonam has conveyed the following message to the people of Ladakh and India.”