Sonam Wangchuk’s wife denies links with Pakistani operative, defends climate activist’s national work
PTC Web Desk: Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has strongly refuted Ladakh Police's allegations that her husband was in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, she clarified that the couple had attended a United Nations-organised climate change conference and a Pakistani media event, emphasising that these interactions were purely professional and academic.
“This is absolutely false and we condemn it completely. A narrative is being created to frame someone,” Gitanjali said. She highlighted Wangchuk’s approach to China, noting, “When the UT government was buying Chinese tablets, he advocated tackling China economically, not militarily. How can such a person be anti-national?”
Referring to the February conference organised by the UN and Dawn Media on climate change, she questioned, “If India plays cricket with China, are players or cricket bodies anti-national? Attending a conference on glaciers that supply water from Bangladesh to Afghanistan does not make someone an ISI agent. What evidence supports such claims?” She urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide clarity.
Gitanjali also questioned the government's past recognition of Wangchuk’s work, which contradicts the ‘anti-national’ label. “This government, when RK Singh was energy minister, awarded HIAL the first prize for passive solar-heated buildings used by the Army. The Minister of Tribal Affairs also awarded Ice Stupas. Were these anti-national acts?” she asked, criticising the intelligence system.
Her remarks came as Ladakh DGP Jamwal addressed the media, stating that the police had arrested a Pakistan PIO reportedly in contact with Wangchuk. The DGP said, “We have records of this person reporting back to Pakistan. Wangchuk attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. Investigations are ongoing.”
Gitanjali stressed that Wangchuk’s advocacy for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is legitimate and crucial for democracy. She asserted that the movement has widespread support among the people of Ladakh. “The Sixth Schedule is not anti-development; it ensures that development respects local ecosystems and tribal governance,” she explained.
Discussing Wangchuk’s detention following the September 24 violence, Gitanjali said she was at HIAL handling operations and not physically present during his detention. She described the situation: “His house was searched by 5–10 persons inside and around 100 police outside. We were informed at 4 am that he was detained. They said it was not an arrest, but four days later, we have no information about his condition or detention order. Calls and messages remain unanswered, and curfew prevents us from stepping out.”
Gitanjali also accused authorities of imposing a virtual house arrest on HAIL staff and students. “CRPF followed us into the campus. Staff and students were detained overnight without reason. This is creating fear in a peaceful area. Democracy should mean dialogue, not oppression,” she said.
- With inputs from agencies
