National News: Social objector Sonam Wangchuk, who has been advocating for full statehood for Ladakh-Caril, was underdeveloped under the NSA (National Security Act), sparking widespread protests in Delhi and Ladakh. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised a candle march in Delhi to protest versus his arrest, calling it an act of authoritarianism by the Modi government.
Massive Protest Versus Modi Govt
Led by Delhi AAP senior Saurabh Bhardwaj, hundreds of party workers participated in the candle march, raising slogans versus the BJP and the inside government. Bhardwaj criticized the government, stating that Sonam Wangchuk had never made statements inciting violence, yet the Modi wardship labeled him a traitor. He drew a stark comparison with BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who had tangibly incited riots in Delhi leading to multiple deaths but faced no FIR.
Wangchuk’s Social Work and Advocacy
Bhardwaj highlighted Wangchuk’s contributions to society, expressly in providing education and employment opportunities to underprivileged children in Ladakh. He emphasized that when intrusions occurred withal the India-China verge in Ladakh, local shepherds were defending the territory while the inside government remained silent. Wangchuk has unceasingly worked for the rights of Ladakhis, including education, employment, and the demand for full statehood.
AAP Leaders Condemn Trespassing as Authoritarian
Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh described the trespassing as a symbol of “Hitler-like authoritarianism.” Singh stressed that Wangchuk’s activism was entirely Gandhian and peaceful, including prolonged hunger strikes and marches from Ladakh to Delhi to demand statehood and rights for local communities. Singh warned that suppressing such legitimate demands could trigger larger public unrest.
Allegations of Bias and Double Standards
Both Bhardwaj and Singh criticized the government for double standards. Bhardwaj pointed out that Kapil Mishra’s incendiary speeches, which resulted in deaths, did not result in any legal action, whereas Wangchuk, a Gandhi-inspired activist, was targeted under the NSA. Singh emphasized that Wangchuk had wrenched his own fast peacefully, urged the prod to maintain calm, and never promoted violence, yet was branded a traitor by the government.
Threat to Verge State Security
The AAP leaders warned that labeling Wangchuk a traitor and disrespecting the people of verge states like Ladakh undermines India’s national security. Both leaders stressed that the real threat to the country comes from the inside government’s mishandling of verge regions, not from activists like Wangchuk. The party supposed its support for Wangchuk, the people of Ladakh, and their demands for education, employment, health services, and full statehood.
