Ladakh’s Director General of Police, SD Singh Jamwal, on Saturday alleged that activist Sonam Wangchuk, arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) for leading a statehood agitation, has connections with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. Wangchuk was shifted to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail on Friday, sources said.

At a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal claimed that police had apprehended a Pakistan PIO (intelligence officer) who had reportedly been in contact with Wangchuk. “We arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Wangchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan and also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him. Investigation is being done,” Jamwal said.

The DGP accused Wangchuk of instigating the violent protests in Leh on September 24, which left four people dead and nearly 80 injured. During the unrest, protesters reportedly set fire to the local BJP office and several vehicles.

Jamwal alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” and references to movements like the Arab Spring and Nepal Gen Z protests inflamed the situation. “Sonam Wangchuk has had a history of instigating. He has referred to the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The investigation into his funding is ongoing for FCRA violations,” he said.

Responding to queries about foreign involvement, the DGP added, “During the investigation, two more people were caught. If they are part of some design, I cannot say. This place has a history of Nepalese people working as labourers, so we will have to investigate.”

Jamwal further criticised what he termed “so-called environmental activists” for hijacking platforms and derailing talks with the Centre. “An unfortunate incident occurred on September 24. Four lives were lost, and a large number of civilians, police officers, and paramilitary personnel were injured.