Leh violence- Ladakh DGP confirms 44 arrests including main accused Wangchuk, says activist’s Pak link under probe News24 –

Ladakh Police has arrested a total of 44 individuals, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, confirmed SD Singh Jamwal, Director General of Police (DGP), Ladakh, on Saturday. Addressing a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal stated that police have successfully nabbed the main orchestrators of the violence, including Wangchuk who has been charged under National Security Act (NSA).

What did Ladakh DGP say?

He said, “We have arrested 44 people so far. The main ring leaders have been nabbed. Sonam Wangchuk, the main player, has been sent out under NSA charges.” Notably, Wangchuk was arrested on Friday in Ladakh and brought to Jodhpur by a special flight, from where he was taken to the Jodhpur Central Jail under tight security arrangements. According to reports, he has been placed in a high-security ward with 24-hour security and CCTV surveillance are in place. His medical examination has been completed.

Earlier, DGP Jamwal alleged Wangchuk’s connection with Pakistan and raised questions over his visits to the neighbouring countries. He stated that police have arrested a Pakistan PIO, who was in touch with Wangchuk. He said, “We arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Sonam Wanghchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him…Investigation is being done.”

Jamwal has also accused Wangchuk of instigating violence in Leh on September 24, that killed four and left several others injured. “Sonam Wangchuk has had a history of instigating. He has referred to the Arab Spring, Nepal and Bangladesh. The investigation into his funding is going on for FCRA violation,” he added.