Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently arrested under the National Security Act (NSA), has been shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan — one of India’s most secure and historically significant prisons.
Mr Wangchuk, a prominent voice in the five-year-long movement demanding statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh, is being held in a solitary cell under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, officials said. His transfer was executed under tight security, including deployment of senior police officers and a special aircraft.
Why Jodhpur Jail?
Authorities have not officially stated why Mr Wangchuk was moved to Jodhpur, but sources believe the decision was made to prevent large-scale protests in Ladakh. His arrest comes just days after violent clashes in the region left four people dead and over 50 injured, including security personnel.
Jodhpur Central Jail, dating back to the British era, currently houses around 1,400 prisoners and is known for its three-tier security system. The facility has previously housed high-profile inmates including:
- Salman Khan (1998 blackbuck poaching case)
- Asaram Bapu (rape convict)
- Indian Mujahideen terrorists
- Separatist leader Abdul Ghani Lone
It was also targeted during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, where over 30 inmates lost their lives.
Protest Outside Jail: Hunger Strike Threat
Despite the high security, drama unfolded outside the jail on Saturday morning as an activist identified as Vijaypal (50) arrived at the gates around 10:20 AM, shouting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and demanding Wangchuk’s release.
When local police attempted to disperse him, Vijaypal threatened to go on a hunger strike outside the prison. He was eventually detained and taken to Ratanada police station for questioning.
Sources from a news agency said Vijaypal has a history of staging protests, including one against the opening of liquor shops in the region.
The Charges Against Wangchuk
Mr Wangchuk was arrested two days after massive protests broke out in Ladakh over long-pending demands for:
- Statehood
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
- Environmental protections
Authorities claim that Wangchuk made provocative remarks that allegedly incited violence.
Just a day before his arrest, the activist told reporters he would be “happy to be arrested for the cause”.
FCRA Crackdown On SECMOL
Coinciding with his arrest, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the FCRA registration of Wangchuk’s NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). The action bars the NGO from receiving foreign funding under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Mr Wangchuk denied the charges, saying the funds in question were misidentified as foreign contributions. Speaking to a news agency, he said:
“They mistook it as foreign contributions. I consider it a mistake on their part, and therefore I don’t mind it. But that’s what was thought of as a foreign contribution. It is not.”
Opposition Slams Centre Over Arrest
The arrest has triggered widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, who accused the government of suppressing dissent in Ladakh.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the arrest “unfortunate” and criticised the BJP’s handling of the situation.
“BJP will never fulfil their promises. We are not justifying violence — who am I to justify violence — but BJP should answer why they let such a situation develop,” Mr Abdullah said.
In Summary
- Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh activist, has been jailed under NSA in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- He is being held in solitary confinement under tight surveillance.
- An activist, Vijaypal, threatened to hunger strike in protest and was detained.
- Wangchuk’s NGO SECMOL lost its FCRA licence, barring foreign donations.
- Opposition leaders have slammed the Centre’s response, demanding accountability.
