Activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur central jail, has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people during the Leh protest. He stated that he is prepared to stay in jail until this demand is met. Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police on September 26 and charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting protesters demanding statehood for the Union Territory that erupted on September 24.

Sonam Wangchuk’s message from jail

Sajjad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), posted on X that his message was conveyed through his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and advocate Mustafa Haji, who met him at the jail on October 4.

In his message, Wangchuk stated that he is doing well, both physically and mentally and thanked everyone for their concern and prayers. He has expressed his condolences to the families of those people who lost their lives and prayed for those who are injured and arrested. Putting forth his main message, Wangchuk has emphasised that there should be an independent Judicial Inquiry into the killing of our four people. He stated that he is ready to stay in jail until this demand is met.

He has reaffirmed his support for the Apex Body and the KDA (Kashmir Democratic Alliance) in their demand for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. “I stand firmly with Apex Body and the KDA and the people of Ladakh in our genuine constitutional demand for Sixth Schedule and Statehood and whatever actions Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them,  wholeheartedly,” Wangchuk said as shared in X post by Kargili.

“Sonam Wangchuk’s message from Central Jail, Jodhpur. Today on the 4th of October Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley (Sonam Wangchuk’s elder brother) and advocate Mustafa Haji met Mr. Sonam Wangchuk at Jodhpur Central Jail. Mr. Sonam has conveyed the following message to the people of Ladakh and India,” wrote Kargili.