Sonam Wangchuk to be released as govt revokes detention under NSA
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after the protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA) has been revoked with immediate effect, the Union government said on Saturday (March 14).
He will be released nearly six months after he was arrested following violent protests in Leh that left four dead.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after the protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh. More than 45 people, including 22 policemen, were injured in the protests.
Also read: Wangchuk not given videos which formed basis of his detention: Wife to SC
He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on the orders of the Leh district magistrate to "maintain public order" and was later transferred to Jodhpur prison.
The decision, which the Centre said was to foster peace in Ladakh, comes days after the Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on a plea filed by the activist's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention to March 17.
“Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act… the Government has decided to revoke the detention of Shri Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement.
“The Government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. However, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists and overall economy,” it said.
“The Government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders,” it added.