Opposition slams Wangchuk arrest, calls it BJP’s ‘abysmal failure’

The opposition criticized the BJP-led Centre on Friday for its “abysmal failure” to uphold peace and order in the Union Territory of Ladakh, citing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the NSA.

Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of deceiving the people of Ladakh. “…This (Wangchuk’s arrest) has been done to divert attention and responsibility from the BJP’s abysmal failure to maintain law and order and ensure security of life and property in the Union Territory… The crux of the issue is that the BJP has deceived the people of Ladakh for years,” Ramesh said. “It (BJP) promised the region Sixth Schedule status in the 2020 Leh Hill Council Elections and has gone back on that promise with a vengeance… The Modi Government cannot brush these issues away by arresting Mr. Wangchuk.”

Sagarika Ghose, the deputy leader of the TMC Rajya Sabha, claimed that the Narendra Modi administration views any criticism as “anti-national” and uses harsh laws to jail those who disagree.

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of J&K, called Wangchuk’s arrest regrettable and charged that the NDA government was breaking its pledges. There, promises were made to the locals. Abdullah told reporters, “I don’t understand what compulsion does the Central government have to backtrack after making promises.”

Mehbooba Mufti, the former chief minister of J&K, called the arrest “deeply disturbing.” Leh is currently under curfew and has no internet, which is a somber reminder of what Kashmir has long had to deal with. In today’s India, speaking truth to power comes at a heavy cost or how else could a man who stood for peace and non-violence his entire life end up behind bars,” she said.

In a Hindi post on X, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal stated: “Ravana’s end also came.” Kansa’s demise also occurred. Mussolini and Hitler also met their demise. And they are all hated today. Today, in our country, dictatorship is at its peak. The end of those who practice dictatorship and arrogance is very bad.”

Left party leaders denounced the detention, including CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya.