Protests, Detention, and Statehood: The Ladakh Impasse

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following the violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, claims that the government seeks to prevent him from participating in negotiations due to his uncompromising stance on Ladakh's future.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are leading discussions with the Indian government on these issues. Angmo, filing an amended petition in the Supreme Court, insisted that Wangchuk was never a formal member of these groups, despite their inclusion of him in July. She alleges the government aims to sideline him to implement 'suboptimal solutions.'

The Supreme Court has taken note of Angmo's plea challenging Wangchuk's detention. Meanwhile, Angmo continues to counter claims against her husband, stating that statements corroborating his detention were either misquoted or outdated, further maintaining that the aim is to deter rigorous negotiations.