Sonam Wangchuk wife rejects allegations of Pakistan links; Blames CRPF for Ladakh violence

Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the NSA on 4 September following protests in Ladakh demanding the Sixth Schedule and statehood. The violence resulted in four deaths and over 90 injuries.

Leh: After the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, his wife Gitanjali Angmo has entirely refuted the allegations of Pakistan links and financial irregularities leveled against him. Gitanjali said that his husband has always engaged in peaceful protests in a Gandhian manner and that the violence on 24 September was triggered by CRPF actions.

Background Of Arrest and Protest

Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the NSA on 4 September following protests in Ladakh demanding the Sixth Schedule and statehood. The violence resulted in four deaths and over 90 injuries. Wangchuk is being held in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Gitanjali said that she has been inaccessible since her arrest and has not yet received a copy of the arrest order. She also stated that Wangchuk's visit to Pakistan was professional and climate change-related, not for any suspicious activity.

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International Cooperation

Gitanjali stated that she and Wangchuk have attended several international conferences, including the UN-organized climate change conference. The "Breathe Pakistan" conference held in Pakistan and her cooperation with organizations like ICIMOD were misrepresented.

Refuting Allegations of Violence

Gitanjali stated that the violence during the protest was sparked by the use of tear gas by the CRPF. Wangchuk was unaware of any non-peaceful activity. She also stated that allegations of her husband's alleged derogatory speech were misrepresented.

Gitanjali questioned how someone who advocates building shelters for the Indian Army and boycotting Chinese goods could be branded a traitor.

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Clarification on Financial Irregularities

Gitanjali clarified the foreign funding of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning, stating that it is not a donation but a payment for technical services. The institute does not charge any fees from students and its operating expenses are met through innovation.

The UGC registration process is pending, and land allocation has been stalled due to administrative difficulties. She clarified that Wangchuk is not against development, but advocates for "mindful development" that involves local people in decision-making.

Following the 4 September violence, the central government revoked the FCRA license of SECMOL, founded by Wangchuk, following allegations of financial irregularities.