Wife of climate activist appeals to President

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has written to President Droupadi Murmu, appealing for her husband’s “unconditional release” after he was arrested last week. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 and moved to Jodhpur jail following violent protests in Ladakh that claimed at least four lives.

In her letter, Angmo accused federal agencies of targeting Wangchuk to “kill his spirit” and weaken the causes he stands for, including climate action, education reforms and tribal rights. “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,” she wrote.

Charges and background

Authorities arrested Wangchuk citing his alleged role in inciting violence during the Leh protests. The unrest was linked to demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for autonomous administration in tribal areas.


Wangchuk has long been recognised as a Gandhian voice in Ladakh, raising concerns about melting glaciers, sustainable development, and grassroots innovation. His wife dismissed allegations of foreign links and FCRA violations, calling them politically motivated.

“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? It certainly cannot be termed as a threat to national security,” Angmo stated in her appeal.

Appeal to President Murmu’s tribal roots

Angmo specifically appealed to the President’s tribal background to understand the sentiments of the people of Ladakh. “You being from a tribal community/background, would understand the feelings of the people of Leh Ladakh better than anyone else,” she wrote.

She urged Murmu to intervene and “inject a voice of sanity in an otherwise chaotic state of affairs,” calling Wangchuk “a person who can never be a threat to anyone, leave alone his Nation.”

“The President of India embodies the principles of equity, justice and conscience. We request for an unconditional release of Shri Sonam Wangchuk, who 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,” the letter read.

Protests and Sixth Schedule demand

The protests in Leh, which turned violent last week, have been driven by demands for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule applies to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, and allows for the creation of autonomous district councils with legislative and administrative powers.

Activists in Ladakh argue that similar provisions are needed to safeguard the fragile ecology of the region and to protect the rights of its indigenous communities.

Although restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed after the protests, officials have eased them this week, allowing residents to purchase essential supplies.

Conclusion

Wangchuk’s arrest has sparked fresh debate over the government’s handling of protests in Ladakh, with critics alleging a crackdown on dissent. His wife’s direct appeal to the President reflects the gravity of the situation and the widespread support the activist commands among locals. With the statehood and Sixth Schedule demands gaining traction, pressure is mounting on the Centre to respond to both the unrest and calls for Wangchuk’s release.