Sonam Wangchuk's wife writes to President, PM; raises concern

Srinagar: Leh town witnessed a day-long relaxation of curfew on Wednesday even as lieutenant governor Kavinder Gupta urged the representatives of Ladakh to reconsider their decision to stay away from talks with the BJP-led central government.

The authorities relaxed the curfew from 10 am to 6 pm on Wednesday during which shops and business establishments remained open but the educational institutes stayed shut and mobile internet suspended.

Four people were killed and scores of others injured in the clashes on September 24 while over 50 people were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in rioting. Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act. Since then, curfew has been in place in the Leh town and prohibitory orders remain imposed against any gathering in other areas, including Kargil.


ABL and KDA have decided to stay away from any dialogue, scheduled on October 6, with the Centre over their demands of statehood, implementation of Sixth Schedule, two Lok Sabha seats and a separate Public Service Commission. They have demanded that there should be a judicial probe led by retired SC judge into the incidents of September 24 and all detainees, including Wangchuk, be released.

Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali J Angmo has sent a representation to the President, prime minister, Union law minister, Gupta with a copy to the district magistrate of Leh, demanding the release of her husband. "Till October 1, 2025, I am completely unaware about my husband's condition. I was also told the officer would explain to me my legal rights. Even that has not been done till today. I am shocked and devastated," said Angmo in the letter. She asked whether she is not entitled to meet and speak with her husband on phone and in person wherever he is detained?

"Can I not be of assistance to my husband to know his ground of detention and to espouse his legal rights of seeking justice before court of law? Am I not entitled to know the condition of my husband who is in detention since September 26 with no communication with me or anyone else close to us?"