The Centre  justified its move over the detention of Ladakh-based social activist Sonam Wangchuk in the Supreme Court, stating that the leader’s speeches amount to incitement and convey a message of separatism and anti-nationalism, which is a threat to the country’s security, especially in the border region.

While appearing in the top court on behalf of the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that Wangchuk was trying to instigate the youth in Ladakh and had attempted to push the region towards situations similar to those in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, where political instability and violence had taken place.

The Solicitor General was putting forth his arguments before a bench of two justices-Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna Varale-who were hearing the petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali.

Tushar Mehta stated that the Apex Court should examine whether the District Magistrate was correct in his approach after learning of the situation that Wangchuk’s actions could spark chaos and tumult in Ladakh.

The detention order cited that the District Magistrate was convinced that Wangchuk’s speeches could spark unrest and disturb peace in the region.

He further mentioned that the detention order was passed within four hours as the due process was followed. He said the DIG had met Wangchuk and shown him the video footage of his speeches, to which he had admitted, terming them as authentic.

The Solicitor General also read out Wangchuk’s speeches in the Supreme Court. He said Wangchuk deliberately made references to non-violence and Gandhiji in an attempt to use them as a shield for himself.

He also mentioned Wangchuk as saying that he had no clue from where a large number of young protesters came “like a flood,” but that they were expecting a Nepal-like riot situation.

Mehta further said that Wangchuk was misleading the youths by making them believe that they could create a Nepal-like situation.