Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk’s Message from Jail | His Wife Speaks Exclusively to Barkha Dutt
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife calls his NSA detention “deliberate,” says his words were twisted and vows to fight for Ladakh’s rights through peaceful means.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Gitanjali Angmo, wife of detained climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk, described his arrest under the National Security Act (NSA) as “deliberate and unjust.” Angmo revealed that Wangchuk, known for his peaceful advocacy for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule and statehood rights, has been wrongly accused of inciting unrest.
Speaking on Mojo Story, Angmo explained how Wangchuk’s statements were “distorted and taken out of context.” She said the detention order was built on misrepresented videos, some of which were missing when shared with him. “He never called for violence. His references to Arab Spring and Nepal protests were wrongly framed,” she asserted.
Angmo also shared that authorities had limited her husband’s access to legal materials while preparing his defense. She added that the family believes the government acted to silence Ladakh’s strongest voice for autonomy. “They want him out of the way to push diluted reforms,” she claimed.
Wangchuk, who once received requests from multiple parties—including the BJP—to contest elections, remains “resolute and fearless,” Angmo said. She emphasized that he continues to support peaceful dialogue and stands committed to India’s democratic principles.
As the case now reaches the Supreme Court, Angmo says they will challenge both the procedural flaws and the substance of his detention. Barkha Dutt concluded the discussion noting that “the ball is now in the Supreme Court’s court,” underscoring the importance of due process and fair treatment.
