Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh Raises Issue of Release of Ladakh Protestors in Parliament

New Delhi: Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and MP Sanjay Singh drew attention to the arrest of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, warning that the Centre’s crackdown on peaceful democratic dissent reflects a systematic assault on the Constitution, civil liberties, and democratic values.

What the AAP MP Sanjay Singh said?

The AAP MP said that by incarcerating non-violent protestors under the National Security Act (NSA), the government is steadily pushing the country towards an undeclared Emergency. Addressing the House, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that Sonam Wangchuk, who has carried out historic work in the fields of education, sustainable development, and climate protection in the Himalayan region, is not a criminal but an internationally respected climate activist, educationist, and a conscientious citizen who thinks for the nation.

“Sonam Wangchuk gave Ladakh a global identity and has always expressed his views through non-violent, democratic, and constitutional means,” he noted. The AAP MP pointed out, “Despite this, the BJP government has misused the National Security Act to crush his voice. The government has now begun to fear those who ask questions, which is why it is putting them behind bars.”

What Sanjay Singh said in the parliament?

Sanjay Singh informed the House that during protests held in Ladakh on September 24, 2025, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, four innocent citizens lost their lives, over 70 people were injured, and more than 70 individuals were arrested, many of whom were booked under the National Security Act. Even today, more than 10 people remain in jail.

Recalling Ladakh’s contribution to the nation, he said, “This is the same Ladakh that stood like a rock with the country during the wars of 1948, 1962, 1971, the Kargil war of 1999, and the border tensions of 2020, displaying exemplary patriotism.”

Referring to the concerns raised by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Sanjay Singh said that allegations regarding threat to his life in jail, constant surveillance, and the creation of an atmosphere of fear are extremely serious. “These actions amount to an open violation of Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution and clearly demonstrate that the government now wants to rule through repression, not democracy,” he asserted.

Warning the government, Sanjay Singh said that intimidating and imprisoning citizens living in a border and strategically critical region cannot strengthen national unity. “Democracy is strengthened through dialogue, not through repression,” he asserted.

What Sanjay Singh said about release of Sonam Wangchuk?

Through the House, Sanjay Singh demanded the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, withdrawal of the NSA imposed on him, unconditional release of all peaceful protestors associated with the Ladakh movement, assurance of safety and dignity of all those in custody, and the initiation of immediate and meaningful dialogue with Ladakh’s representatives on the issues of statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.