New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) welcomed the release of Sonam Wangchuk and reiterated its opposition to “draconian” laws, such as the National Security Act (NSA), under which the activist was detained.
Party general secretary M A Baby stated in a post on X on Tuesday that it is crucial for the Supreme Court to deliver a judgment regarding an ongoing petition concerning Wangchuk’s detention and provide compensatory relief.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr Gitanjali Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) as illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights.
The plea said it is wholly “preposterous” that Wangchuk would suddenly be targeted after more than three decades of being recognised at the state, national and international levels for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India. “Welcome the release of Sonam Wangchuk, who had been kept under preventive detention by the BJP-led Union government for six months under the NSA. Congratulations to Gitanjali Angmo for persisting in the legal fight to secure his release,” Baby said in a post on X late on Tuesday night.
He emphasised that the Home Ministry “cannot be allowed to evade the legal implications solely by revoking Wangchuk’s detention order. It is imperative that the Supreme Court deliver its judgment on the petition, quash the illegal detention, and provide compensatory relief.” Baby also noted that the CPI(M) has consistently opposed laws like the NSA, asserting that the Union government has utilised such laws to suppress democratic dissent and target political opponents.
“The government should immediately initiate dialogue with Wangchuk and the protest committee. The democratic aspirations of the people of Ladakh must not be put down by repressive measures,” he said.
Wangchuk, 59, was detained on September 26 last year under the stringent NSA, two days after violent protests during the agitation left four people dead. He was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday after the Union government revoked his detention with immediate effect. PTI AO MPL MPL
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