Lucknow/New Delhi: Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh raised the issue of arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh and suppression of democratic dissent during the Zero Hour of Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and seriously accused the Central Government of crushing the Constitution, civil liberties and democratic values. Sanjay Singh said that by putting peaceful protestors in jail under the National Security Act, the government is pushing the country towards undeclared emergency.
Sanjay Singh said in the House that Sonam Wangchuk, who has done historic work for education, sustainable development and climate protection in the Himalayan region, is not a criminal but an internationally respected climate activist, educationist and thinking citizen for the nation. Who gave global recognition to Ladakh. They always expressed their views through non-violent, democratic and constitutional means, but the BJP government misused the National Security Act to suppress their voice. He said that the government has now started fearing those who ask questions, hence putting them in jail.
He said that during the protests demanding statehood and the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh on September 24, 2025, four innocent civilians lost their lives, over 70 people were injured and over 70 people were arrested, many of whom were charged under the National Security Act. Even today more than 10 people are in jail. Sanjay Singh said that this is the same Ladakh which has shown patriotism by standing like a rock with the country in the Kargil war of 1948, 1962, 1971, 1999 and the border tension of 2020.
Referring to the apprehensions expressed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, he said that the allegations of threat to her life, constant surveillance and creating an atmosphere of fear in the jail are very serious. Sanjay Singh said that all this is an open disregard of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it proves that the government now wants to rule not by democracy but by repression.
He warned the government that the unity of the country cannot be strengthened by intimidating and jailing citizens living in border and strategically important areas. The strength of democracy comes from dialogue, not repression.
Sanjay Singh demanded through the House that Sonam Wangchuk should be immediately released, the National Security Act imposed against her should be withdrawn, all peaceful protesters associated with the Ladakh movement should be released unconditionally, the safety and dignity of all those in custody should be ensured and an immediate and meaningful dialogue should be started with the representatives of Ladakh regarding statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
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