The arrest of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, accusing the government of treating him like a "criminal without reason" and orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his reputation. Wangchuk, a prominent figure known for his environmental advocacy and contributions to sustainable development, was detained on Friday in his village of Ulyaktopo, Ladakh, following violent protests in Leh that left four dead and 59 injured. The Home Ministry has pointed to Wangchuk’s alleged "provocative statements" as the catalyst for the unrest, a claim he vehemently denies.

Angmo, co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), spoke to PTI in an impassioned defense of her husband, describing his arrest as a grave injustice. "It is the worst form of democracy," she stated, alleging that their home was "ransacked by the police" during the arrest led by Ladakh DGP S D Singh Jamwal. She further accused the authorities of falsely portraying Wangchuk as "anti-national" to discredit his five-year-long peaceful advocacy for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

The activist’s wife did not mince words in her critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Identifying herself as a practicing Hindu and a teacher of the Vedas, Vedanta, and the Bhagavad Gita, Angmo challenged the BJP’s moral standing. "Please tell them not to call themselves Hindu... because the basis of Hinduism is all truth," she declared, accusing the party of building its foundation on "falsehood." She contrasted the government’s actions with the vision of India articulated by Sri Aurobindo, asserting, "This is not the India Sri Aurobindo dreamt about, nor the Hinduism that Vedas and Vedanta talk about."

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Wangchuk’s contributions to India’s environmental and educational landscape are well-documented. A recipient of the prestigious Rolex Awards, he has been recognized globally for his work in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and education through HIAL. Angmo emphasized his dedication, arguing that targeting such a figure undermines India’s aspirations to be a global leader, or "Vishwaguru." "If this is how intellectuals and innovators are treated, then God save this country," she warned.

In a bold move, Angmo challenged the Central government to a live, prime-time television debate to address the allegations against her husband, including those related to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and ongoing CBI inquiries. "Let them not spread false narratives as they are doing," she demanded. "Let them not use their power and the entire state and national machinery to go after one man."

The specific charges against Wangchuk remain undisclosed, fueling further speculation and unrest. As protests continue in Ladakh over demands for statehood and constitutional protections, Angmo’s outspoken criticism has amplified calls for transparency and justice. The case has sparked a broader debate about the state of democratic freedoms in India, with Wangchuk’s arrest raising questions about the treatment of activists and the use of state power to silence dissent.

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