Reasons behind detention cited to Wangchuk: Ladakh Admn

With the Leh Apex Body withdrawing from the talks with the Centre over the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and labeling of "anti-national" tag on the protests for statehood, the Ladakh Administration on Tuesday said the grounds of detention had been duly cited to him.

In a statement issued by the Administration of the UT of Ladakh, it said the process of law should be allowed to take its own course. "We are confident that together we will bring back normalcy in the peace loving Leh township and continue with our dialogue process," it said.

The government had already announced dates for talks on September 20 and expressed flexibility to change them as per Ladakh leaders' convenience, the administration claimed.

"Still Shri Sonam Wangchuk made multiple provocative statements. He gave the reference of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on several occasions from the 'anshan' (hunger strike) venue trying to incite the public, especially the youth. Before starting his anshan, Wangchuk suggested on September 9 people to wear masks, caps and hoodies while participating in the protest, citing Covid as excuse, though there is no sign of spread of Covid in Ladakh. Wangchuk, on his YouTube channel ‘Achoe Nyingstam’ (A dedicated channel for Ladakhi audience wherein he speaks only in vernacular) stated on June 8 that he would bring an ‘Arab Spring’ type revolution in India to overthrow the Government," the statement said.

The administration also denied charges of witch-hunt or smoke screen against the popular leader.

"Actions taken by the law enforcement agencies are based on credible inputs and documents. The agencies should be allowed to continue with their investigation impartially without vitiating the process, it said further.

The case of financial irregularities and foreign currency violations by Wangchuk's educational institute, Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) is under investigation by agencies and prima facie, there is evidence available, which merits such investigation, official sources said.

Further, despite knowing that it is not a recognised university, HIAL is issuing degrees to young men and women jeopardising their future prospects, they added.

"HIAL did not make full disclosure of foreign funds in their balance sheets in relevant financial years," the statement added.

Sources also claimed that the FCRA cancellation of Wangchuk's NGO SECMOL was based on clear evidence of multiple violations (not just one). After observing these irregularities, appropriate action had been taken, they said, adding that there were established processes and forums available to appeal to the appropriate authorities, which the organisation can resort to.

Sonam Wangchuk had suggested ‘overthrow’ of the government on lines of ‘Arab Spring’, if their demands were not met, besides putting forth the idea of self-immolation for instigating agitation for this purpose, as happened in Arab countries including Tunisia. On multiple occasions, he suggested self-immolation by Ladakhis on lines of protests in Tibet, the administration said.

Sonam Wangchuk did not call off his hunger strike despite government announcing the date of next meeting of High Powered Committee on September 20 itself, although he sat on the strike demanding talks with the government. Government also expressed flexibility for dates as per the convenience of Ladakh leaders. This irresponsible act of continuation of hunger strike for personal and political gain is responsible for all the further unfortunate developments, it added.