Leh, Oct 5: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail in connection with the recent Leh violence, has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killings that occurred during the unrest.
Wangchuk’s message from jail was relayed by his elder brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and lawyer Mustafa Haji, who met him at the prison on Saturday. In the message, he assured supporters that he was “physically and mentally well” and expressed gratitude for their concern and prayers.
Offering condolences to the families of those killed and prayers for the injured and arrested, Wangchuk said he was “prepared to stay in jail unless a judicial inquiry is conducted” into the deaths of four people during the violence.
The activist reaffirmed his support for the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in their demand for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh, pledging solidarity with any peaceful actions taken in the region’s interest.
Appealing for calm, Wangchuk urged the people of Ladakh to “maintain peace and unity” and to continue their struggle “in the true Gandhian way of non-violence.” (Agencies)
