On the heels of violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead on September 24, the Union Territory’s Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, has publicly defended the arrest of a climate activist, alleging that the individual had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence officer and may have attempted to disrupt ongoing negotiations with the central government.

Allegation of Contact with Pakistani Official

During a press conference held in Leh, the DGP asserted that the activist—identified as Sonam Wangchuk—maintained communication with a Pakistani intelligence officer, who is said to have been arrested recently. According to Jamwal, this individual “was reporting back to Pakistan” regarding developments in Ladakh and had engaged in several contacts with Wangchuk.

The DGP further claimed that Wangchuk had traveled to events in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. He hinted that these international movements strengthen the suspicions of external influence. “Sonam Wangchuk has had a history of instigating,” Jamwal said, pointing to prior references by the activist to movements such as the Arab Spring, and to regional upheavals in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Foreign Involvement & Hospital Admissions

Addressing the question of whether foreign agents or operatives were involved in the unrest, the DGP stated that the investigation remains open. He disclosed that from the first day, when the injured were transported to hospitals, several Nepali nationals with bullet injuries were admitted. “Two to three more such elements have surfaced,” he said, adding that after verification, three individuals were confirmed to be Nepali nationals.

Such claims of foreign presence at the protest sites, as well as the possibility of orchestrated instigation, form the backbone of the police’s emerging narrative that the violence was not purely local in origin.

Disrupting Centre-Level Dialogues

Jamwal also accused the activist of attempting to derail or hijack dialogue mechanisms with the central government. “An unfortunate incident occurred on September 24. Four lives were lost, and a large number of civilians, police officers and paramilitary officers were injured,” he said. He then made a broader claim that the activist and “so-called environmental activists” had tried to disrupt processes already underway between Ladakh and the Centre.

In Jamwal’s view, Wangchuk’s credibility is questionable, given his earlier pronouncements and activism. He alleged that Wangchuk had previously made statements aimed at undermining state or central interventions, rather than working through recognized processes.

Funding, FCRA Violations & Investigation

Beyond allegations of foreign contact and interference, the DGP confirmed that an investigation into the activist’s funding sources is underway. He particularly flagged potential violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), a law that regulates the acceptance and use of foreign funds by individuals and organizations in India. Whether Wangchuk’s organizations or operations have indeed contravened FCRA remains to be legally established.