Left parties on Saturday condemned the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) and demanded that he should be released. In a statement issued, the Politburo of the CPI(M) said Wangchuk’s detention under the “draconian NSA exposes the authoritarian character of the BJP-led Central Government”.
“The Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemns the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, who has been at the forefront of the movement demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” the party said. “His detention under the draconian National Security Act exposes the authoritarian character of the BJP-led Central Government and its contempt for the genuine aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” it said.
The CPI(M) said instead of honouring the promises it made to the people of Ladakh, the Government has chosen to resort to “repressive measures to suppress the democratic movement” there. “This constitutes a grave attack on the fundamental rights and democratic freedoms of the people of Ladakh. Such actions will only deepen the alienation of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, including Ladakh,” the statement said.
National Secretariat of CPI said that invoking such a hash law against a citizen peacefully raising democratic demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards represents an unacceptable misuse of State power. This not only undermines the rights of the people of Ladakh but also reflects a dangerous trend of criminalising dissent and silencing democratic voices, said CPI.
“The CPI demands the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk and all other activists detained in connection with the protests, along with the unconditional withdrawal of all false and fabricated charges against them. The Party further demands an independent and transparent inquiry into the firing incident in Leh, which led to the tragic loss of lives and injuries, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
“The BJP Government, which unilaterally abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile State of J& K into Union Territories, bears direct responsibility for the turmoil and hardships faced by the people in this strategically sensitive region and should be held accountable. At the same time, the CPI urges the Government to initiate meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders in Ladakh and take steps to bring back normalcy,” said CPI.