Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention: A Border Sensitivity Issue
The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday about the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. They stated that Wangchuk was detained for allegedly inciting people in a border area where regional sensitivity is a significant concern.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta justified Wangchuk’s detention, emphasizing that all necessary procedural safeguards were followed when he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
Mehta highlighted the sensitive nature of the border area where Wangchuk was allegedly inciting people, particularly given its proximity to Pakistan and China. He assured the court that Wangchuk had been treated fairly and that all provisions of the NSA had been meticulously adhered to.
On Monday, the Centre had claimed that Wangchuk was attempting to instigate protests among the younger generation, drawing parallels to movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. Mehta also mentioned Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring-like agitation, which had led to governmental changes in various Arab countries.
The plea against Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA was filed by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo. The NSA allows the government to detain individuals if their actions are deemed “prejudicial to the defence of India” for a maximum period of 12 months.
Wangchuk, who is currently held at Jodhpur Central Jail, denied allegations of attempting to overthrow the government, asserting his right to criticize and protest peacefully. His legal team, led by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that the evidence used against Wangchuk was misleading and based on selective information.
The detention, according to Angmo, is seen as illegal and arbitrary, violating Wangchuk’s fundamental rights. She emphasized that Wangchuk’s contributions to education, innovation, and environmental conservation have been recognized both nationally and internationally for over three decades.
The violent protests in Ladakh on September 24, which resulted in casualties and injuries, were cited as the reason for Wangchuk’s detention. The government accused him of inciting the violence, a claim that Angmo refutes, stating that Wangchuk condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of peaceful pursuits.
Angmo stressed that attributing the violence to Wangchuk’s actions is baseless, considering his longstanding dedication to Ladakh’s development and conservation efforts. She highlighted Wangchuk’s public statements condemning violence and advocating for peaceful resolutions.
