“Sonam Wangchuk Seeks Thermometer to Conduct Experiments for Better Jail Conditions, Wife Says”

Sonam Wangchuk Seeks Thermometer to Study Eco-Architecture in Jail, Says Wife.

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk has requested a thermometer while in Jodhpur jail, saying he wants to conduct experiments on eco-responsive architecture to improve prison living conditions, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo, co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), said on Wednesday.

Angmo met Wangchuk on Tuesday and handed over books he had requested, including “Ants: Workers of the World”, gifted by his eldest brother, along with titles on climate change and its solutions. Wangchuk is said to spend time observing ants in his barrack, fascinated by their teamwork and cooperation, which he studies for insights into human systems.

Wangchuk, a Magsaysay Award winner, has been in detention under the National Security Act (NSA) since September 26, following violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status that left four people dead and around 90 injured. He has spent over 110 days in solitary confinement.

“He asked me to explore whether jail authorities and the Supreme Court would allow him to use basic scientific instruments like thermometers to conduct experiments to improve jail barracks,” Angmo said.

Angmo urged for his release, saying, “Sonam Wangchuk should be released so he can continue his nation-building work in education and environment.” She has also filed a habeas corpus petition, which is scheduled to be heard on January 29.