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Key Points

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has strongly condemned the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. He alleges the arrest is a misuse of power by the BJP-led central government and goes against Gandhian principles. Singh highlighted Wangchuk's contributions to Ladakh's education and culture, noting that Prime Minister Modi once appreciated the activist. The arrest comes after violent protests in Leh, where the BJP office was set on fire, and two days after four people died in demonstrations.

Key Points: Digvijaya Singh Defends Sonam Wangchuk Against NSA Arrest

  • Congress criticizes BJP government's use of National Security Act
  • Wangchuk arrested after Leh protest turned violent
  • Singh calls activist a true follower of Gandhian philosophy
  • Demands investigation into Ladakh statehood promises
3 min read

Digvijaya Singh condemns activist Sonam Wangchuk's arrest, calls him a 'Gandhian'

Congress leader condemns Sonam Wangchuk's arrest, calls it misuse of NSA and violation of Gandhian principles

"Sonam Wangchuk has given an identity to Ladakh and had served in every possible way - Digvijaya Singh"

Indore, Sep 27

Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, on Saturday, condemned the arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that the National Security Act (NSA) was being misused under the current BJP-led Central government.

Talking to media reporters during his visit to Indore, the Congress leader said that Sonam Wangchuk has always followed the Gandhian philosophy and worked for Ladakh, its culture and heritage, and served in every possible way.

"Sonam Wangchuk has given an identity to Ladakh and had served in every possible way, through education and healthcare. The Union government has imposed NSA against a person, who always followed Mahatma Gandhi's ideology," he added.

Meanwhile, Digvijaya Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi used to appreciate Sonam Wangchuk for his contributions, and when he demanded Ladakh's statehood, NSA was imposed against the climate activist.

Wangchuk was arrested recently after a protest turned violent in Leh on September 24, following which the BJP office in the area was set on fire.

Two days after the death of four people in violent protests in Leh, Wangchuk was detained under the provisions of the NSA.

"His (Sonam Wangchuk's) demand to make Ladakh a Union Territory was accepted by the Union government. Now they (people of Ladakh) demanded the Sixth Schedule, the same rights that have been given to the people of the Northeast. The Union government promised statehood as well as the Sixth Schedule after the elections, but they did not keep their promise," Digvijaya Singh said.

During his visit to Indore on Saturday, the Congress leader alleged that incidents of communal violence have surged under the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh.

He said that people of minority communities are facing harassment and bias from the state administration.

During his visit to Indore, Digvijaya Singh also visited the Sheetlamata Market, where a controversy has emerged after the son of BJP MLA Malini Gaur's son Eklavya Singh Gaur reportedly instructed shop owners at the Indore's largest garments hub with nearly a thousand shops -- to remove all Muslim employees.

However, when the Congress leader tried to enter the Sheetlamata Market, he was stopped by the Indore police.

Later, he went to Indore Superintendent of Police's office and filed a written complaint regarding the matter and demanded action against Eklavya Singh Gaur.

During the meeting, police official told Digvijaya Singh that a memorandum regarding the matter was received and the matter is being investigated.

When the Congress leader asked that if an FIR would be registered in the case, the official said, "The matter is being investigated and further action would be taken accordingly."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The situation in Sheetlamata Market is shameful. Asking shop owners to remove Muslim employees goes against our constitutional values. This kind of discrimination has no place in modern India. Hope proper action is taken soon.
A
Aditya G
While I respect Sonam Wangchuk's work, we cannot ignore that the protest turned violent and BJP office was set on fire. Law and order must be maintained. The government has to take action when things escalate beyond peaceful protest.
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Sarah B
The Ladakh statehood issue needs serious attention. People's aspirations cannot be ignored after elections. Promises made should be promises kept. This is basic democracy 101.
K
Kavya N
Digvijaya Singh is right to raise these issues. When even respected environmentalists are being arrested under NSA, it sets a dangerous precedent. We need more dialogue, less suppression. #DemocracyInDanger
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Michael C
Interesting to see the contrast - PM Modi once appreciated Wangchuk's work, now he's under NSA. This shows how political considerations often override genuine public service. Hope cooler heads prevail and dialogue replaces confrontation.
N
Neha E
The Sixth Schedule demand for Ladakh is legitimate. Tribal areas need special protections. The government should address these constitutional concerns through proper channels instead of using dra

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