Centre revokes Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act with immediate effect

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

• Centre revokes Sonam Wangchuk's detention under NSA
• Wangchuk's detention followed Ladakh protests for statehood
• Supreme Court questioned government's take on his remarks

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The Centre has revoked the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect under the National Security Act (NSA), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests broke out in Leh over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Acting under the NSA, the district magistrate of Leh ordered his detention to maintain public order, following which he was transferred to a prison in Jodhpur.

MHA 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, and that the decision to revoke Wangchuk's detention has been taken in furtherance of this "objective and after due consideration".

It further said that 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 MHA pointed out, 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, tourists and the overall economy.

"The government reiterates its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms," added the MHA.

Vinai Kumar Saxena, who recently took over as the Governor of Ladakh, welcomed the decision to revoke the detention of Wangchuk and said it was a positive step by the Centre towards fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh.

"There is no space for agitation and violence in Ladakh and all issues pertaining to the aspirations and concerns of the people, would be addressed through dialogue with various stakeholders, community leaders and citizens in Ladakh," said a statement issued by the Office of Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh.

Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act, it said.

On March 10, the Supreme Court said it would watch videos of Wangchuk's speeches and reserved its order on March 17 on a plea filed by the jailed climate activist's wife Gitanjali J Angmo challenging his detention under NSA.

On February 26, the top court deferred the hearing on Angmo's plea for post Holi vacation.

Earlier also the matter was adjourned several times as lawyers from different sides were not available.