'Haven't spoken to husband till now': Sonam Wangchuk's wife writes to President Murmu; seeks 'unconditional release'

NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo on Wednesday wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking an "unconditional release" of her husband who was detained and moved to Jodhpur for allegedly inciting a violent protest in Ladakh.

Angmo accused the federal agencies of launching a "full scale witch hunt" against Wangchuk for the past month to "kill his spirit" for the causes he stands for.


"A full scale witch hunt has been unleashed for the past one month in particular, and for the past four years covertly, to kill the spirit of my husband and all the causes he stands for and espouses," Angmo wrote in the letter to Murmu.


"Is it a crime to speak about climate change, melting glaciers, educational reforms and grassroot innovation? To raise one's voice for upliftment of a backward tribal belt which is ecologically fragile in a peaceful Gandhian manner for the last four years? It certainly cannot be termed as a threat to national security," se added.

Angmo also appealed to Murmu's tribal background to understand the feelings of the people of Ladakh against the backdrop of the protests and her husband's arrest.

"You being from a tribal community/background, would understand the feelings of the people of Leh Ladakh better than anyone else," she said.

"Your Excellency, we appeal to your wisdom and good sense as the head of the state to intervene and inject voice of sanity in an otherwise chaotic state of affairs. As the President of India, you embody the principles of Equity, Justice and Conscience! We request for an unconditional release of Shri Sonam Wangchuk, a person who can never be a threat to anyone, leave alone his Nation. He has dedicated his life to serve the brave sons of soil of Ladakh and stands in solidarity with the Indian Army in defence of our great nation! " she added.

Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act on September 26 and shifted to Jodhpur jail shortly after.

The arrest happened following violence in Leh during protests, which claimed the lives of at least four people. The restrictions under section 163 of BNSS, which were imposed in the region, were eased, allowing people to buy essential items.

The protesters have been demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the region in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Articles 244(2) and 275(1), which read, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." It relates to the administration of tribal areas and advocates for the creation of autonomous district councils.

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