Srinagar, Sept 26, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Friday criticised the arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the detention reflected the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s approach of disempowering regions that demand constitutional safeguards.
Reacting on social media platform X, Iltija wrote: “Sonam Wangchuk, once a darling of the Indian government, hailed as a nationalist, has been arrested for waging a peaceful fight for the people of Ladakh. Really wish Ladakhis had realised BJP’s plans to disempower wouldn’t stop with Kashmir. If only, instead of celebrating the black day of 5th August 2019 they had stood with us in unity.”
Her remarks drew attention to what she described as the failure of Ladakh’s leadership to anticipate that the political changes imposed on Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 would eventually extend to Ladakh. Iltija stressed that the arrest of Wangchuk, a figure celebrated globally for his work in education and environmental conservation, undermines peaceful activism.
The statement adds to a growing chorus of political voices from Jammu and Kashmir who have criticised Wangchuk’s arrest. Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir also questioned the move, calling for dialogue rather than punitive action to address Ladakh’s political aspirations.
Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police following protests demanding Sixth Schedule safeguards and statehood for Ladakh. The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused him of making provocative speeches that led to violence during demonstrations, a claim strongly rejected by his supporters. [KNT]
