India Defends Detention of Climate Activist Wangchuk, Citing Border Sensitivity
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The Indian government has defended the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing concerns over regional sensitivity in a border area. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act was justified due to his alleged instigation of people in the area. Mehta emphasized that all procedural safeguards were followed during the detention, which was ordered on September 26 last year. Wangchuk, who has been recognized for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation, and environmental conservation, was detained after violent protests broke out in Ladakh, leaving four people dead and 90 injured. The government accused him of inciting the violence, but his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, claims the detention is illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights. The Supreme Court will continue to hear the case on Wednesday, with Angmo arguing that police relied on selective videos and 'borrowed material' to mislead the detaining authority. Wangchuk himself has denied allegations that he sought to overthrow the government, emphasizing his democratic right to criticize and protest. The National Security Act empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner 'prejudicial to the defence of India'. The maximum detention period is 12 months, although it can be revoked earlier. Wangchuk is currently being held in the Jodhpur Central Jail.
