Mumbai, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) vehemently criticized the BJP-led Central government on Wednesday regarding the detention of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), labeling it an “act of cowardice.” In a powerful editorial published in the party's official mouthpiece, Saamana, the Thackeray faction expressed that the government has tarnished its own image by depicting a Gandhian activist as a traitor. “What distinguishes this from British rule?” they questioned.

The editorial condemned the efforts of the BJP-led government to portray Wangchuk as anti-national, even going so far as to have the Ladakh Director General of Police claim that Pakistan was instigating violence in the region and asserting that Wangchuk had connections to Pakistan. The government made ridiculous claims that Wangchuk participated in a 'Dawn' newspaper event in Pakistan and traveled to Bangladesh.

“If Wangchuk had indeed traveled to Pakistan or Bangladesh, he would have done so legally, acquiring visas on his Indian passport and participating in social programs there. Notably, even PM Modi has visited Pakistan to celebrate the birthday of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Moreover, Bangladesh is a nation considered friendly by India. It is perplexing that the Ladakh DG is unaware that the BJP-led government has granted political asylum to Bangladesh's ousted President, Sheikh Hasina, in India,” the editorial stated.

Furthermore, Wangchuk's wife, Geetanjali, refuted the government's claims, explaining that Wangchuk's trip to Pakistan was in connection with a United Nations conference on environmental issues. The editorial clarified that Wangchuk attended this conference with the approval of the Indian government, making it unreasonable to suggest that Pakistan was involved in the violence in Leh.

The Thackeray faction pointed out that Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike advocating for the rights of the people of Leh and Ladakh, particularly to have the region included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and to achieve full statehood through democratic processes.

It was recalled that it was PM Modi and the BJP who initially promised full statehood to the people of Leh-Ladakh. “Yet, instead of fulfilling its commitment, the Centre has detained Wangchuk under the NSA. While it is well-known that China has made incursions into Ladakh, it is alarming to suggest that Pakistan has also managed to infiltrate the area. This reflects a failure of the government,” they alleged.

The editorial continued by stating that the repercussions of 'Operation Sindoor' have not been well-received by Pakistan, as their actions of instigating terrorism and violence in India persist.

“What measures have PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah taken against Pakistan for its role in the violence in Ladakh? While India may have halted warfare with Pakistan, a condition was established that any assault on Indian territory or violence in the Kashmir Valley would be treated as an attack on India, warranting a decisive response. So, what has happened to that promised response?” they questioned.

The editorial defended Wangchuk's Gandhian activism, asserting that his campaigns address critical issues such as rising unemployment in Ladakh, the transfer of land to industrialists, environmental degradation, and unchecked Chinese incursions.

“Wangchuk has consistently raised his voice against these pressing matters. His focus on Chinese expansion into Ladakh has embarrassed the PM and the BJP, leading to Wangchuk's arrest and branding as a traitor,” the editorial asserted.

The Thackeray faction argued that while Wangchuk faces accusations of Pakistani connections, those who have played cricket against Pakistan are celebrated as heroes by the ruling party.

Highlighting the hypocrisy, the editorial charged the BJP with having double standards, stating, “Those who played cricket with Pakistan are hailed as heroes, while Wangchuk—who advocates for Ladakh’s statehood, alerts the nation about Chinese invasions, and stands for environmental and Himalayan soldiers—is labeled anti-national. The essence of Hindutva is truth, yet the BJP thrives on falsehoods. These individuals cannot be called Hindus.”

Geetanjali Wangchuk also expressed her outrage, asserting that her claims are undeniably accurate.