Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has moved the Supreme Court seeking his release. Gitanjali J. Angmo filed a Habeas Corpus petition, late evening on October 2, challenging her husband's detention.
In a post on social media platform X, Angmo wrote that she had no information about her husband’s whereabouts and the state of his health. She further said that the authorities have yet to provide the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention.
Leh police detained Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26. He was accused of instigating violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh, along with protection under the Sixth Schedule.
Four demonstrators were killed and 50 more injured in police firing. Wangchuk ended the protest to de-escalate the situation, but was detained days later under the NSA, 1980.
NSA
NSA empowers the Centre and the state governments to detain people on preventive measures. The authorities could arrest individuals considered to be posing a threat to India's security or public order.
They could also be arrested over suspected relations with foreign powers.The District Magistrate and Police Commissioner can also exercise these powers when authorised.
Ladakh bodies protests
Ladakhi leaders have condemned Wangchuk’s detention. Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) -- they are the two organisations that were negotiating Ladakhi statehood with the central government -- their leaders accused the government of political vendetta, and pulled out of the negotiations.
But, the Ladakh administration rejected allegations of a political 'witch-hunt'. And the Central government maintains that it is open to dialogue. But without Wangchuk's release, Ladakhi leaders are unlikely to respond.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s lawyers will seek an urgent hearing at the Supreme Court on October 6. The court is currently closed for Dussehra vacation.
