Modi govt exposed once again: Kejriwal after Sonam Wangchuk's detention cancelled

Aam Aadmi Party supremo and ex-Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal slammed the central government on Saturday following the cancellation of detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after nearly six months. Taking to X, Kejriwal said that the turn of events caused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed government to stand "exposed once again".

"A scientist and climate activist who had dedicated his life to the nation was arrested without any evidence. The months he spent in jail were not only a personal loss for him but also a loss to the country. This sheer dictatorship must be called out and stopped immediately," the AAP chief tweeted.

The veiled swipe referenced Kejriwal given a clean chit by a court in Delhi in the liquor policy case. During the hearing, the judge tore into the CBI and said the entire case was based on conjecture and surmise, lacking any admissible evidence.

Wangchuk was detained in September last year under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), two days after protests over statehood demands for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution triggered massive unrest in the Union Territory. Over 45 people were wounded, including 22 police personnel.

He was kept in Jodhpur Central Jail, where he had already undergone almost half of the detention under the NSA, according to the Centre's statement. He was released at around 1.30 pm earlier in the day.

In its statement, the central government said it remains committed to fostering an environment of stability, peace and mutual trust in Ladakh to enable constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

"In furtherance of this objective, and after due consideration, the Government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act," it added.

The decision comes only days after the Supreme Court adjourned to March 17 the hearing on a plea by the climate activist's wife challenging the detention decision.

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