Centre to SC: Wangchuk indulged in activities prejudicial to security of state

The Leh District Magistrate has defended his decision to detain climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), telling the Supreme Court that the order was issued after due consideration of material indicating Wangchuk's involvement in "activities prejudicial to the security of the state, maintenance of public order and essential services."

- MPOST BUREAU

In an affidavit filed before the top court, the District Magistrate denied allegations of illegal detention or mistreatment of Wangchuk and asserted that the activist was duly informed of the reasons for his detention. "The order of detention came to be passed by me after duly considering the material placed before me, as mandated under law," the affidavit stated. "I was satisfied and continue to be satisfied with the detention of the detenue." Wangchuk was detained on September 26 under the NSA, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule left four people dead and around 90 injured.

The Union Territory administration has accused him of inciting the violence.