Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has urgently approached the Supreme Court to demand his immediate release from detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk, celebrated for his innovative environmental initiatives like the Ice Stupa project and his tireless advocacy for sustainable development in the Himalayas, was arrested on September 26, 2025, amid violent clashes in Leh that tragically resulted in at least four fatalities.
Angmo's petition vehemently denies the grave accusations leveled against her husband, including claims of his alleged connections to a Pakistani Intelligence Operative. She has accused the Ladakh police of orchestrating a targeted campaign driven by ulterior motives, stating, "Whatever the DGP is saying, he has an agenda. They don't want to implement the 6th Schedule under any circumstances and want to make someone a scapegoat." This comes against the backdrop of widespread demands from protesters in Ladakh for the region's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant greater autonomy and protections for tribal areas, safeguarding their land, culture, and resources from external exploitation.
The activist's wife has described the situation as a "full-scale witch hunt" that has persisted for over a month, aimed at crushing the morale of those fighting for environmental and regional rights. In her emotional appeal, Angmo emphasized Wangchuk's unwavering patriotism and non-violent ethos, asserting, "Wangchuk can never be a threat to anyone, let alone his nation." She highlighted his global recognition, including awards for his work on water conservation in arid regions, which has inspired communities worldwide to combat climate change through grassroots innovation.
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On Wednesday, Angmo took her fight to the highest echelons of power by penning an open letter to key national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and the Leh District Collector. She shared a copy of this letter on X (formerly Twitter), amplifying her voice amid growing public scrutiny. In the letter, she raised poignant questions about basic human rights: "Am I not entitled to meet and speak with my husband on the phone and in person wherever he is detained? Can I not be of assistance to my husband to know his ground of detention and to espouse his legal rights of seeking justice before the court of law?"
Angmo further expressed deep concern over Wangchuk's well-being, noting that he has been held incommunicado since his arrest, with no contact allowed for her or his close associates. "Am I not entitled to know the condition of my husband, who has been in detention since 26 September 2025, with no communication with me or anyone else close to us?" she questioned. Invoking her rights as a responsible Indian citizen, she underscored the fundamental freedoms of expression and movement, which she claims are being blatantly violated in this case.
Following his arrest in Leh, Wangchuk was swiftly transferred to Jodhpur jail, a move that has fueled suspicions of deliberate isolation. The unrest in Ladakh erupted from long-simmering grievances over environmental degradation, resource allocation, and the lack of constitutional safeguards, culminating in protests that turned violent. Authorities imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which were briefly relaxed on Tuesday to permit residents to procure essential goods. In total, 44 individuals have been apprehended in connection with the disturbances, painting a picture of heightened tensions in the strategically sensitive border region.
This case has drawn widespread attention from environmentalists, human rights advocates, and political observers, who argue that detaining a figure like Wangchuk under the NSA—typically reserved for threats to national security—sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent. Supporters have rallied online and offline, calling for transparency and justice. As the Supreme Court considers Angmo's plea, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds democratic values while addressing the legitimate aspirations of Ladakh's people.
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