Inside Jodhpur Jail: Sonam Wangchuk's Detention and the Growing Protest Movement for Ladakh Statehood

The historic Jodhpur prison, dating back to British colonial times, has recently become the detention facility for Ladakh statehood advocate Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA). Officials confirmed that Wangchuk has been placed in a solitary confinement cell with continuous CCTV surveillance within this high-security facility known for its robust three-tiered protection system.

Over the years, this Rajasthan prison has housed numerous prominent detainees, including Bollywood star Salman Khan following his conviction in the 1998 blackbuck poaching incident, and Asaram Bapu, the self-proclaimed spiritual leader accused of rape. The facility has also contained Indian Mujahideen terrorists and separatist leaders like Abdul Ghani Lone from Jammu and Kashmir.

During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani conflict, the prison experienced a strike that resulted in over 30 fatalities among those incarcerated there. Currently, the facility accommodates 1,400 inmates.

Although authorities have not explicitly stated their reasoning for transferring Wangchuk to Jodhpur jail, it's widely believed to be a strategic move to prevent large demonstrations by his supporters from Ladakh. His transfer occurred via special aircraft under substantial security measures, with the city's police commissioner participating in the operation.

Despite these precautions, a dramatic incident unfolded outside the prison this morning when 50-year-old activist Vijaypal threatened a hunger strike to protest Wangchuk's arrest. Officials reported that Vijaypal arrived at the prison entrance at approximately 10:20 am, chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." When local law enforcement attempted to remove him, he declared he would begin a hunger strike if forcibly displaced. Police subsequently detained him and transported him to Ratanada police station for interrogation. Sources indicate Vijaypal had previously demonstrated against liquor establishment openings.

Wangchuk, who faces accusations of inciting public disorder through provocative statements, was apprehended last Friday—two days following violent demonstrations over statehood and constitutional protections that resulted in four deaths and 50 injuries, including security personnel, in Ladakh. Prior to his arrest, Wangchuk had expressed willingness to be "arrested anytime for the cause."

Concurrently, the Ministry of Home Affairs has revoked the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration for Wangchuk's non-profit organization, 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL), prohibiting it from receiving international funding. The activist has denied all allegations from both central government and Union Territory administration following the deadly unrest.

In an interview with NDTV, Wangchuk stated: "They mistook it as foreign contributions. I consider it a mistake on their (Centre's) part, and therefore I don't mind it. But that's what was thought of as a foreign contribution. It is not."

The detention of Wangchuk, a central figure in the five-year movement for Ladakh's rights, has provoked strong criticism from opposition leaders, who fault the central government's crisis management. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the arrest as "unfortunate," adding, "It is unfortunate they have arrested him. BJP will never fulfil their promises. We are not justifying violence. Who am I to justify violence, but BJP should answer why they let such a situation develop."