Civil society group seeks Sonam Wangchuk’s release, calls for disaster prevention measures in Ladakh

Civil society group People for Himalaya on Monday said that the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk was an assault on democratic rights and the freedom to dissent.

The group alleged that the arrest of Wangchuk under the National Security Act on Friday was a blatant attempt to silence the voices of the people of Ladakh “who have been raising legitimate concerns about their constitutional rights, livelihoods and environment”.

Wangchuk should be released immediately and charges against him must be withdrawn, the group demanded during a press conference.

Four persons were killed in police firing during protests on Wednesday demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Demonstrators clashed with and threw stones at the police, and set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party office and a police vehicle.

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution guarantees protection for land and nominal autonomy for citizens in designated tribal-dominated areas. In Ladakh, more than 97% of the population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes.

The Union government has claimed that the violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by Wangchuk.

People for Himalaya alleged that the use of excessive force against the protesters was an “act of brutality against unarmed citizens” and demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the violence. The group also demanded the resignation...

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