Geetanjali Angmo Visits Detained Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Geetanjali Angmo, the wife of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, met her husband at Jodhpur Central Jail on Wednesday after his detention following the September 24 Leh violence. This visit comes amidst ongoing legal challenges surrounding Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA).

Accompanied by her lawyer, Ritam Khare, Angmo confirmed via a post on X that they visited Wangchuk on Tuesday. During the meeting, she received important updates about his case, revealing that the legal team has secured a copy of the detention order, which outlines the allegations against him and the justifications for invoking the NSA.

Wangchuk’s brother, Tsetan Dorje, had visited him previously accompanied by lawyer Mustafa Haji. Following that visit, Haji shared on X that Wangchuk has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of four individuals that occurred during protests in Leh last month, advocating for accountability and justice.

“Wangchuk has expressed his willingness to remain in jail until such an inquiry is conducted,” Haji stated, highlighting the activist’s commitment to civic rights and environmental issues.

In a significant move, Angmo has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking her husband’s immediate release, with the hearing scheduled for October 14. This legal maneuver marks an important step in challenging Wangchuk’s detention and the broader implications of the NSA on citizen rights.

Sonam Wangchuk is not just known for his climate activism but also as a prominent advocate for environmental causes in Ladakh. He faces serious charges following his detention, which occurred after violent clashes during a protest aimed at securing statehood for Ladakh and requesting the region’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Initially taken to Delhi after his arrest, Wangchuk was transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail on September 26. His case continues to attract attention in the realm of environmental and human rights activism in India.