Geetanjali Angmo, wife of esteemed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, met with him on Tuesday at Jodhpur Central Jail, where he remains detained following the September 24 Leh violence. Angmo’s recent visit highlights ongoing concerns regarding Wangchuk’s legal situation and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Angmo confirmed her visit alongside his lawyer, Ritam Khare. She revealed that Wangchuk’s legal team has secured a copy of his detention order, which they plan to challenge in court. The order outlines the allegations against him and explains the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) against the activist.
During her visit, Angmo expressed deep concern over the reasons behind Wangchuk’s detention. She mentioned that the legal document specifies allegations linked to his involvement in protests advocating for environmental sustainability and political reforms.
Prior to Angmo’s visit, Tsetan Dorje, Wangchuk’s brother, also met him in jail, accompanied by lawyer Mustafa Haji. Following their meeting, Haji tweeted about Wangchuk’s call for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of four individuals during the protests in Leh. According to Haji, “Wangchuk has made it clear that he is willing to remain incarcerated until such an inquiry takes place.”
In a significant development, Angmo has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, demanding her husband’s immediate release. The Supreme Court is set to hear the petition on October 14, marking a crucial date for Wangchuk and his supporters.
Wangchuk, well-known for his advocacy on environmental issues and social justice, faced detention after his participation in protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and the incorporation of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. These demonstrations aimed to address long-standing grievances from the local populace regarding governance and representation.
Following his arrest, Wangchuk was initially transported to Delhi before being moved to Jodhpur Central Jail on September 26. His detention under the NSA has raised alarms among human rights activists and climate advocacy groups, who view it as an attempt to stifle dissent and minimize the voices advocating for a sustainable future.
The fallout from the September 24 violence continues to resonate across social media and public discourse. Activists regard the charges against Wangchuk as attempts to silence criticism of government policies surrounding environmental degradation and the need for self-governance in Ladakh. As the situation develops, remains vigilant observers hope for justice and transparency.
As the hearing date approaches, supporters of Wangchuk remain hopeful for a favorable ruling that could pave the way for his release and reinforce the importance of environmental activism in India.