Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the ongoing accusations and harassment faced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that the Central government is using its “entire machinery” against someone dedicated to the country’s progress.
In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “Read about Sonam Wangchuk. The person who thinks about the country, thinks about education, makes new inventions, is being harassed by the entire machinery of the central government today under extremely cheap politics. It feels extremely sad—how the reins of the country are in the hands of such people. How will such a country progress?”
The remarks come in the wake of unrest in Leh, triggered by long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk had been on a 14-day hunger strike, peacefully advocating these demands for five years, including a notable barefoot march from Leh to Delhi.
Authorities in Leh have imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, banning assemblies of five or more persons and prohibiting processions, rallies, or marches without prior written approval.
The Government of India has been engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on these issues through formal High-Powered Committee (HPC) meetings, sub-committee discussions, and informal consultations. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings planned for September 25 and 26 with Ladakh leaders.
