By Harshit | September 28, 2025 | Leh, Ladakh | 9:30 AM IST
The detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) has triggered sharp criticism from his wife and fellow activist Gitanjali Angmo, who alleged that the CRPF’s actions on September 24 were responsible for the Ladakh statehood protests turning violent. Four people were killed during the unrest, which marked the most serious escalation in the ongoing agitation demanding Sixth Schedule protections and full statehood for Ladakh.
“Situation Escalated Because of CRPF”
Angmo, co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), said her husband had been protesting for years in the “most Gandhian way possible” but the September 24 violence was not instigated by him.
“We have videos to show that students and youth were there for a peaceful protest. But when CRPF personnel fired tear gas shells, the youth reacted by pelting stones, and the whole situation escalated,” she said.
She further questioned the use of force, asking, “Who gave the CRPF the right to open fire? Why should you open fire on your own youth?”
Detention Without Orders
Wangchuk was picked up on Friday and moved to Jodhpur prison in Rajasthan under the stringent NSA, which allows detention without trial for up to 12 months. Angmo said she had not been shown his detention orders despite repeated requests and had no direct communication with him since his arrest.
Calling the NSA charges “very wrong,” she stressed: “Sonam certainly is not a threat to public order.”
Rebuttal to Pakistan Link Allegations
Authorities had claimed that Wangchuk had links with Pakistan, citing a past visit to a climate conference in Islamabad. Angmo strongly rejected these allegations, saying the trip was professional and climate-focused, conducted under the auspices of United Nations Pakistan and the Dawn Media Group.
“I was also there to present a paper on women’s role in climate change. In fact, Sonam praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage at that event,” she said.
She also pointed out that Wangchuk has consistently supported India’s strategic interests, designing shelters for the Indian Army in Ladakh and calling for the boycott of Chinese goods. “How can such a person be portrayed as anti-national?” she asked.
Financial Allegations Dismissed
Wangchuk’s institutions, including HIAL and SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), are under scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities and FCRA violations. Angmo rejected the claims, insisting that payments received were consulting fees for technologies developed at HIAL, not foreign donations.
“HIAL does not charge fees from its 400 students. Our funding comes from innovations like ice stupas and passive solar buildings, which we keep open-source without patents,” she said.
She also accused the UT administration of stalling the institute’s registration process and blocking land leases, alleging bureaucratic resistance to their model of sustainable education.
Words Misinterpreted
Authorities have also accused Wangchuk of making “provocative” statements, referencing protests in Nepal and Bangladesh. Angmo clarified that his remarks were mistranslated from Ladakhi and taken out of context.
“He only said that when governments are unresponsive, change can start with one individual — and he was ready to give his life for Ladakh. It was not a call for violence,” she explained.
Continuing Struggle for Ladakh
Wangchuk, widely known for his role in education reform and climate activism, has adopted hunger strikes and satyagraha as methods of protest since Ladakh lost its special constitutional protections in 2019.
Angmo reiterated that her husband is not opposed to development but wants “mindful development” under the Sixth Schedule, which would safeguard local rights and resources.
“The Leh Apex Body’s protests were peaceful from the start. The violence on September 24 was triggered by CRPF action, not by Sonam or the organisers,” she said.
Outlook
As Wangchuk remains behind bars in Jodhpur, the agitation in Ladakh continues to intensify, with locals demanding both his release and constitutional protections. The Union Home Ministry, meanwhile, has revoked SECMOL’s FCRA licence, citing discrepancies.
For Ladakhis, Wangchuk’s detention marks not just a personal setback but a larger symbol of their ongoing struggle for identity, autonomy, and justice in India’s northernmost region
