files habeas corpus plea, questions allegations and lack of information on Wangchuk’s condition

New Delhi, October 3, 2025: Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has approached the Supreme Court seeking his release after he was arrested last week under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

In her habeas corpus petition, Angmo challenged the grounds of Wangchuk’s detention and said she has had no information about his health or condition since his arrest on September 26.

Sharing a screenshot of her petition on X (formerly Twitter), Angmo wrote:

“It is one week today. Still I have no information about Sonam Wangchuk’s health, the condition he is in nor the grounds of detention.”

Allegations refuted

Wangchuk was detained amid unrest in Leh that left at least four people dead during protests last month. Authorities accused him of being in touch with a Pakistani intelligence operative — a charge Angmo strongly refuted.

“Whatever the DGP is saying, he has an agenda. They don’t want to implement the 6th Schedule under any circumstances and want to make someone a scapegoat,” she alleged, referring to demands for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants tribal-majority regions autonomous powers of governance.

“Witch hunt” against activist, says wife

Angmo also alleged a “full-scale witch hunt” had been unleashed to “kill the spirit” of the activist.
“Sonam Wangchuk can never be a threat to anyone, let alone his nation,” she said, adding that she had written earlier this week to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Leh District Collector.

She questioned why she has not been allowed to meet her husband or even speak to him on the phone since his detention.
“As a responsible citizen of India, are we not entitled to peaceful freedom of expression and movement?” she asked.

Background

Wangchuk, known for his environmental campaigns and advocacy for Ladakh’s ecological and tribal rights, was shifted to Jodhpur prison following his arrest. His detention came days after protests in Leh turned violent, prompting security curbs in the region. Restrictions were briefly eased earlier this week to allow residents to buy essential supplies. Police said 44 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.