Sonam Wangchuk Faces Allegations of Foreign Funding and Pakistan Links; Investigation Takes a New Turn
Leh: India’s probe into activist Sonam Wangchuk intensified today as authorities flagged alleged Pakistan connections, while the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) warned that recent Ladakh unrest could be a precursor to larger destabilization efforts resembling Nepal- and Bangladesh-style upheavals.
Foreign Ties Under Scrutiny
Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S. D. Singh Jamwal, claimed that Wangchuk had traveled abroad, including visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh, and attended a public “Dawn event” in Pakistan. He also alleged that Wangchuk maintained contact with a detained Pakistan Intelligence Operative, raising questions about his role in the ongoing Ladakh statehood dialogue with New Delhi.
“We have records of his foreign engagements. There is a big question mark on him,” Jamwal said.
Officials further indicated that Wangchuk’s financial transactions are being examined for possible violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), with a separate agency handling the probe.
VHP Warns of Regional Unrest Patterns
VHP President Alok Kumar amplified concerns, suggesting the protests in Ladakh could be an early attempt to destabilize India using strategies observed in Bangladesh and Nepal.
“Violent protests like these could be early rehearsals for patterns we’ve seen in other countries,” Kumar said, urging both citizens and authorities to remain vigilant.
Curfew Relaxed Amid Continuing Tensions
Despite the tense environment, authorities have announced a phased easing of curfew in Leh. Restrictions will lift in the Old City from 1 pm to 3 pm, and in newer areas from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, DGP Jamwal confirmed.
Political Stakes High
Wangchuk now faces multiple allegations: incitement, foreign links, funding irregularities, and attempts to disrupt state-level negotiations. With the VHP raising the alarm and drawing parallels to unrest in neighboring countries, the Ladakh episode has escalated into a high-stakes political narrative.
How the investigation unfolds could have implications beyond Ladakh, particularly in India’s border-sensitive states, while premature or unverified claims could also trigger legal and political scrutiny over the authorities’ motives.
