AAP Holds Candle March in Delhi to Protest Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk

National News: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been advocating for full statehood for Ladakh-Caril, was arrested under the NSA (National Security Act), sparking widespread protests in Delhi and Ladakh. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised a candle march in Delhi to protest against his arrest, calling it an act of authoritarianism by the Modi government.

Massive Protest Against Modi Govt

Led by Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bhardwaj, hundreds of party workers participated in the candle march, raising slogans against the BJP and the central government. Bhardwaj criticized the government, stating that Sonam Wangchuk had never made statements inciting violence, yet the Modi administration labeled him a traitor. He drew a stark comparison with BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who had allegedly incited riots in Delhi leading to multiple deaths but faced no FIR.

Wangchuk’s Social Work and Advocacy

Bhardwaj highlighted Wangchuk’s contributions to society, especially in providing education and employment opportunities to underprivileged children in Ladakh. He emphasized that when intrusions occurred along the India-China border in Ladakh, local shepherds were defending the territory while the central government remained silent. Wangchuk has consistently worked for the rights of Ladakhis, including education, employment, and the demand for full statehood.

AAP Leaders Condemn Arrest as Authoritarian

Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh described the arrest as a symbol of “Hitler-like authoritarianism.” Singh stressed that Wangchuk’s activism was entirely Gandhian and peaceful, including prolonged hunger strikes and marches from Ladakh to Delhi to demand statehood and rights for local communities. Singh warned that suppressing such legitimate demands could trigger larger public unrest.

Allegations of Bias and Double Standards

Both Bhardwaj and Singh criticized the government for double standards. Bhardwaj pointed out that Kapil Mishra’s incendiary speeches, which resulted in deaths, did not result in any legal action, whereas Wangchuk, a Gandhi-inspired activist, was targeted under the NSA. Singh emphasized that Wangchuk had broken his own fast peacefully, urged the crowd to maintain calm, and never promoted violence, yet was branded a traitor by the government.

Threat to Border State Security

The AAP leaders warned that labeling Wangchuk a traitor and disrespecting the people of border states like Ladakh undermines India’s national security. Both leaders stressed that the real threat to the country comes from the central government’s mishandling of border regions, not from activists like Wangchuk. The party declared its support for Wangchuk, the people of Ladakh, and their demands for education, employment, health services, and full statehood.