Sonam Wangchuk News: During the Zero Hour of Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP Sanjay Singh strongly raised the issue of the ongoing movement in Ladakh and the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. He questioned whether demanding the Constitution and rights has now become a crime. Sanjay Singh said that putting people who have always worked in the national interest in jail under the National Security Act is like strangulating democracy.
In his speech, Sanjay Singh described Sonam Wangchuk as a respected educationist and environmental activist of the country and said that she talked about the future of Ladakh through non-violent and constitutional methods. Despite this, the government imposed NSA on him. He asked what is the government afraid of such people and why is the path of repression being chosen instead of dialogue.
What is the matter?
Sanjay Singh said that on 24 September 2025, there were peaceful demonstrations in Ladakh demanding statehood and the Sixth Schedule. During these demonstrations, four civilians died, dozens were injured and more than 70 people were arrested. National Security Act was imposed on many agitators and even today more than 10 people are in jail.
Why are questions being raised on NSA?
Sanjay Singh said in Rajya Sabha that strict laws like NSA are used for the security of the country and not against peaceful protesters. He alleged that the government is violating Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. He said that this step is like a conspiracy to crush democratic dissent.
How Ladakh played a role for the country?
Sanjay Singh reminded that Ladakh is the same region which showed patriotism by standing strong with the country in the Kargil war of 1948, 1962, 1971, 1999 and the border tension of 2020. Suspecting the citizens of such areas and putting them in jail is dangerous for national unity.
Concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s safety
He mentioned the apprehensions expressed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, in which she talked about threat to life, constant surveillance and an atmosphere of fear in the jail. Sanjay Singh said that these allegations are very serious and the government should answer.
Sanjay Singh’s demands
Sanjay Singh, through the House, demanded the government to immediately release Sonam Wangchuk, withdraw the NSA, release all the agitators unconditionally and immediately start dialogue with the representatives of Ladakh on statehood and the Sixth Schedule. He clearly said that democracy is strengthened by dialogue, not by suppressing the voice.
