In a sharp critique of the central government’s handling of Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention, senior advocate and former MP Majeed Memon has questioned the very foundation of the National Security Act (NSA) invoked against him. The Home Ministry’s sudden revocation of Wangchuk’s detention has sparked controversy, with Memon demanding clarity on the missing evidence that justified the initial arrest.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, the TMC leader expressed dismay at what he sees as a pattern of misuse of stringent laws against dissenters. ‘If a social activist or opposition voice utters something that irks the government, they slap NSA on them without any hearing,’ Memon said. ‘No trial, no due process—just detention. And now, they quietly withdraw it. What changed? Did the evidence evaporate into thin air?’
Memon didn’t stop at Wangchuk’s case. He accused the BJP of orchestrating a desperate bid to topple the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal ahead of assembly polls. ‘Top BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, are camping there, vowing to unseat ‘Mamata Didi’ by any means,’ he alleged. ‘The message is clear: win at all costs, fair or foul, even if it means weaponizing agencies and the Election Commission.’
Highlighting the BJP’s broader ambitions, Memon claimed the party dreams of painting the entire nation saffron. ‘They’ve captured most states and now eye West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to complete their dominance,’ he added. This comes amid heightened political tensions as elections loom, raising questions about democratic norms and the rule of law in India.
The revocation of Wangchuk’s detention, initially imposed over his environmental activism in Ladakh, has fueled debates on civil liberties. Activists argue it exposes the fragility of protections for voices challenging development projects in sensitive regions. Memon’s outburst underscores growing opposition concerns over alleged authoritarian tactics.