Ladakh Admin Rejects "Witch-Hunt" Claims, Defends Wangchuk's NSA Detention

PTI, Leh, September 30, 2025 : The Ladakh Administration has rejected accusations of a "witch-hunt" or "smoke-screen" operation against activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) last week. The administration clarified that the actions taken by law enforcement agencies were based on credible inputs and documentary evidence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Department of Information and Public Relations emphasized that the process of law should be allowed to take its course. It expressed confidence that “together we will bring back normalcy in the peace-loving Leh township and continue with our dialogue process.”

Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh, was detained after violent clashes between protesters and security personnel on September 24. His arrest followed calls for his release from local political organizations, including the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB), which have linked his detention to the suspension of talks with the Centre. These groups have demanded Wangchuk's release as a condition for resuming negotiations, which are scheduled for October 6, along with a judicial inquiry into police firing during the protests that led to four deaths and numerous injuries.

Family and Supporters' Allegations

Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), has claimed that her husband is being targeted as part of a "witch-hunt" to portray him as "anti-national." She argued that there was no justification for the NSA and noted that authorities had not provided formal documents detailing the charges.

Official Response

The Ladakh administration, however, denied the allegations of victimization, saying, "There is no question of witch-hunting or smoke-screen." It reiterated that the actions of law enforcement were based on "credible inputs and documents" and that agencies should be allowed to continue their investigations without interference.

The administration also stated that there was an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities and foreign currency violations by HIAL. It claimed that evidence had been found regarding HIAL's failure to disclose foreign funds in their balance sheets, as well as the illegal issuance of degrees by the institution, which is not a recognized university. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) cancellation of SECMOL (Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) was also cited as an example of violations.

Controversial Statements and Actions

The administration's statement also accused Wangchuk of making provocative remarks during the protests. It claimed that he had referenced countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in ways that incited public unrest. The statement further criticized Wangchuk's actions during the protests, alleging that he had suggested self-immolation as a form of protest and even called for an "Arab Spring" style revolution in India if demands were not met.

Wangchuk's continued hunger strike, despite the government's announcement of a meeting with the Ladakh leaders, was also condemned. The administration described his actions as irresponsible, blaming him for further escalation during the September 24 protests.

Detention and Legal Proceedings

As for the grounds of Wangchuk's detention, the administration confirmed that these had been duly served to him, and the legal process would proceed accordingly. Despite the controversy surrounding his detention, the administration reiterated that the situation should be allowed to follow due legal procedures.