Sonam Wangchuk is not a terrorist, says Rajasthan MP after being turned away from Jodhpur prison gate

“We were not allowed to move even an inch. We spoke to the jail superintendent over a call, but were merely told, ‘No permission’. Under the pretext of the National Security Act (NSA), our constitutional right to visit him was suppressed. This repressive action presents a clear picture of the Centre’s dictatorship,” said the MP, who is CPM’s Polit Bureau Member and also the National Vice President of All India Kisan Sabha.

Wangchuk was moved to the Jodhpur jail after he was detained in Leh on Friday under the NSA for allegedly instigating the violent protests on September 24. He has been leading the movement seeking statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. “Wangchuk is not a terrorist that even a meeting with him should be denied. The government should clarify when and under what conditions it would allow a meeting with Wangchuk,” Ram said.

The delegation waited for about an hour before leaving. During this time, Ram also wrote a letter to the superintendent seeking permission. In response, the authorities remarked on the letter, “The original is returned, and it is written that, as per rules, your request is rejected.”

Ram said that the move to prevent the delegation from meeting Wangchuk “is not only a violation of Sonam ji’s personal rights, but is also a direct attack on the democratic values of the entire nation”.

He said that when Wangchuk “was a staunch supporter of the BJP, he was called a ‘patriot’ and a ‘great man.’ But today, when he is reminding the BJP of its 2019 election promises – full statehood, a strong legislature, and protection of the Sixth Schedule – he is being hit with the draconian NSA”.

“This double standard brings shame to the political morality of the nation,” he said, adding that “Sonam Wangchuk’s life is a living example of service to the nation.”

Sources said that tight security arrangements have been made outside the prison premises ever since Wangchuk was brought there. This includes additional police force and barricades beyond the main gate. Moreover, anyone passing through is being questioned, and the police are monitoring the situation through CCTV cameras installed on the premises and outside.

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