Sonam Wangchuk calls for ‘win-win’ dialogue with Centre after being released from NSA detention

Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday called for a “win-win” dialogue with the Centre after his detention under the National Security Act was revoked.

He said that the Centre has extended its hand to build trust for meaningful dialogue with the residents of the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference after his release from jail, Wangchuk referred to his release as the first “win”. He added: “The government extending hands to build trust and facilitate meaningful dialogue is a great thing. That way Ladakh and our cause will also win.”

Wangchuk said that a “third win” is that the Union government will “come out looking better, and our image in the world will be a little better”.

These were the activist’s first public remarks after he was released from detention on March 4 after five-and-a-half months.

Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, two days after protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution clashed with security personnel, injuring several of them. Four persons were killed in police firing.

The Sixth Schedule guarantees certain protections for land and a nominal autonomy for citizens in designated tribal areas.

The revocation of Wangchuk’s detention came in the backdrop of the Supreme Court hearing a petition filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging...

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