Ladakh's Champion Arrested: Wife Alleges Smear Campaign as Sonam Wangchuk Fights for Sixth Schedule

In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated national attention, hours after the arrest of internationally acclaimed education reformist Sonam Wangchuk, his wife, Rinchen Dolma, has launched a passionate defense, asserting their unwavering patriotism and accusing the "national machinery" of orchestrating a malicious smear campaign against her husband.

Wangchuk, a Magsaysay awardee known for his innovative educational models and environmental advocacy, was taken into custody amidst his 'climate fast' aimed at securing constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh.

Addressing the media with resolute conviction, Dolma declared, "We are with India and truth." Her powerful statement came as a direct challenge to the narrative she perceives is being built against Wangchuk, characterizing his peaceful protest as subversive.

She highlighted the series of legal actions initiated against Wangchuk and his supporters, which include the imposition of prohibitory orders under Sections 107/151 CrPC, designed to prevent the commission of cognizable offenses. Dolma strongly condemned these measures, viewing them as an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent and silence a voice advocating for Ladakh's ecological and cultural preservation.

The arrest comes at a sensitive time, preceding crucial elections, leading Dolma to suggest that the timing is no coincidence.

"The current government is desperate," she stated, implying a politically motivated crackdown on a figure who commands immense respect and influence in the region. She underscored Wangchuk's consistent commitment to non-violent methods, emphasizing that his activism has always been rooted in democratic principles and a deep love for his homeland and nation.

Wangchuk's 'climate fast' was a desperate plea for the protection of Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and its unique indigenous culture through the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

This constitutional provision grants autonomy and protection to tribal-majority regions, a demand that has gained significant traction among the people of Ladakh. His arrest has not only sparked outrage among his supporters but has also intensified the spotlight on the broader struggle for Ladakh's distinct identity and its future within the Indian Union.

Dolma's poignant appeal for fairness and truth resonates deeply, painting a picture of a dedicated activist being targeted for his unwavering commitment to public welfare.

Her words serve as a stark reminder that even in a democracy, the right to peaceful protest and advocacy for environmental and cultural rights can come at a steep personal cost, urging a closer examination of the forces at play in this unfolding national saga.