Labelling people of Ladakh anti-national a self-goal: Sonam Wangchuk

Srinagar: Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday said that India was respected for its nationalistic border population unlike China and Pakistan, and labelling people of Ladakh as "anti-national" was a "self-goal" that needed introspection.

Wangchuk addressed a huge gathering at Gandhi Park in Kargil, where Kargil Democratic Alliance organised a welcome programme for him after his release from jail. The members of Apex Body Leh, KDA members, Lok Sabha MP from Ladakh and LAHDC (Kargil) members were present at the function.

"India is respected for its nationalistic population or borders unlike Pakistan and China where they have a lot of differences. It is unfortunate that a narrative of anti-national was spread against Ladakh. It is a self-goal and needs introspection," said Wangchuk. He pointed out at the remarks of Ladakh DGP who in a presser in September referred to him as "anti-national who has connections with Pakistan".


"I was branded as anti-national and connected to Pakistan. It was sad and baffling. All allegations were rejected by court. Now it is the time for them (DGP) to explain. If I was wrong, then I should be in jail or else they should sincerely apologize," he said.

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Wangchuk said dialogue with the Centre should happen in a conducive atmosphere and people of Ladakh should remain united to press for their democratic and constitutional rights.