“Sonam Wangchuk Motivates, Doesn’t Incite: Wife Criticizes CRPF Tear Gas Use During Protest”

Jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has blamed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for escalating tensions in Ladakh by using tear gas on peaceful protesters, which she says ultimately led to violence.

Wangchuk was arrested on Friday by Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA), days after protests in Ladakh turned deadly, resulting in four deaths and over 90 injuries. He has since been moved to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Authorities allege Wangchuk incited people through statements made during his hunger strike advocating for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and for full statehood. The protest, organized with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, seeks constitutional recognition for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.

Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike on September 24, citing concerns over rising violence.

Gitanjali defended her husband, stating, “Over the past five years, Sonam Wangchuk’s fasts and marches have been conducted in a truly Gandhian manner, emphasizing absolute non-violence. He inspires youth and has always advocated peaceful change. Why would someone like him instigate violence? This has never happened before.”

She added, “The situation in Leh over the past six days is deeply saddening. The people of Leh are peace-loving and patriotic. Imposing curfew in these areas was unnecessary. The youth were protesting peacefully. Had the CRPF not used tear gas, the protest would have remained non-violent.”

Gitanjali further highlighted Wangchuk’s contributions, saying, “He is not just a scientist but a humanitarian who cares deeply about people’s hardships. His lifelong work in grassroots education has earned him respect across the region.”