**Wangchuk’s Wife Defends Him, Blames Security Forces for Violence**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 28, 2025, 05:16 PM*
Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of jailed activist Sonam Wangchuk, has strongly rejected allegations of financial irregularities and so-called “Pakistan links” against her husband. She emphasized that Wangchuk’s protests advocating for Ladakh’s rights were peaceful in nature and attributed the escalation of violence on September 24 to the actions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The activist was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following protests demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. The demonstrations turned violent, resulting in four deaths and around 90 injuries.
### Defense Stance: Questioning the Use of Force
Angmo questioned the CRPF’s decision to open fire on protesters, asking, “Why would the CRPF fire on their own people?” She defended Wangchuk’s role by stating that he was only aware of plans for a peaceful protest and was not involved in any non-peaceful activities.
She also pointed out that Wangchuk’s words in Ladakhi were taken out of context and mistranslated during alleged provocative speeches, misrepresenting his intentions.
### Foreign Visits Were Climate-Focused, Not Anti-National
Addressing accusations regarding Wangchuk’s foreign visits, Angmo clarified that these trips were focused on climate issues and not motivated by any anti-national intent. She cited his participation in a United Nations conference on climate change as evidence of his genuine commitment to environmental causes.
### Financial Allegations Denied
Regarding the allegations of financial discrepancies involving their organizations, Angmo explained the funding mechanisms of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). She highlighted that HIAL receives foreign funding in full compliance with relevant regulations and reiterated that the institute does not charge any fees from students. Instead, HIAL sustains its operations through innovative projects such as the ice stupas.
### Institutional Challenges and Administrative Delays
Angmo also shed light on HIAL’s contributions to innovation and blamed administrative delays for the holdup in land allotment and official registrations. She stressed that these setbacks were not the fault of their institution but rather due to the Union Territory administration’s absence of specific categories for institutions like theirs.
Following the violence on September 24, the Union Home Ministry canceled SECMOL’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license, citing alleged financial irregularities.
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Gitanjali Angmo’s statements highlight ongoing tensions surrounding Ladakh’s political status and development, while also defending her husband’s activism and the institutional work they lead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/he-praised-pm-sonam-wangchuk-s-wife-trashes-pakistan-link-charge/story
