KTR slams Sonam Wangchuk's arrest, calls it "shameful and illegal"

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 26 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao has come out strongly in support of environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, condemning his recent arrest and labelling it as a “shameful, illegal, and undemocratic act” by the government.

In a post on X, KTR expressed deep concern over Wangchuk’s arrest, describing him as a “patriotic citizen” who has dedicated his life to the nation and to environmental causes. He emphasised that targeting such individuals sends a dangerous message about the state of democratic freedoms in the country.

“The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is deeply condemnable, shameful, and outright illegal. He is a true nationalist and a responsible citizen who is simply standing up for his beliefs. Silencing such voices is unacceptable in any democracy,” he posted.

“In a democracy, questioning the government’s harsh or unjust actions is not just a right — it is our duty. If governments start arresting individuals simply for raising legitimate concerns, then we are heading down a very dangerous path,” he added.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, accused of “inciting violence” during protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution, has been arrested, confirmed his family on Friday.

This comes two days after a demonstration demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the sixth schedule had turned violent and targeted the BJP office in Leh and a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Wangchuk’s Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) over alleged violations of the act.

The opposition launched attacks on the BJP-led Centre following Wangchuk’s arrest, with Congress accusing it of “mishandling” the situation in Ladakh while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal termed his arrest as “dictatorship.”

The Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, claiming that this has been done to “divert attention and responsibility” from the BJP’s “abysmal failure” to maintain law and order in Ladakh.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the reports of Wangchuk’s arrest an “unfortunate” step; however, he also said that the move wasn’t unexpected as the Central government was “after him since yesterday.”

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah criticised the Central government for failing to fulfil the promises they had made to the people of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

“He was arrested? It is unfortunate. Given the way the central government has been after them since yesterday, it seemed like something like this might happen. They were made promises, just like we were. Now I don’t understand what compels the central government to renege on promises it makes…” the Chief Minister said.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also reacted to reports of police arresting Ladakh activist, two days after violence broke out during protests in Leh.

Expressing concerns, Kejriwal criticised the Central government’s handling of the situation, calling its actions “oppressive and dictatorial.”

Drawing parallels with mythological and historical figures, he posted on X, “Ravana’s end also came. Kansa’s end also came. Hitler’s and Mussolini’s end also came. And today, people hate all those individuals. Today in our country, dictatorship is at its peak. The end of those who practice dictatorship and arrogance is very bad.”

Following the violent protests, prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, were imposed in Leh. Assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval.

A demonstration demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution had turned violent and targeted the BJP office in Leh on Wednesday, September 24.

Prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, continued to be imposed in Leh on Friday, with a ban on the assembly of five or more persons in the district. (ANI)

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