‘Ordeal of 170 days ended’: Sonam Wangchuk to undergo health checkup, says wife

(Image: X)

• Sonam Wangchuk released after 170 days in jail in Jodhpur
• He will undergo a 36-hour medical checkup as advised by doctors
• Political leaders welcome release, call for peace in Ladakh

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A day after his release from jail in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk is set to undergo a medical checkup, his wife Gitanjali Angmo said on Sunday.

“After a long time had a free-flowing chat with [him] without glancing at the scary clock every now and then to make the most of the fleeting 60 minutes as in jail!” Angmo wrote in a post on X, sharing pictures of the two.

After a long time had a free flowing chat with @Wangchuk66 without glancing at the scary clock every now and then to make the most of the fleeting 60 minutes as in jail! Taking him for a health checkup as per the strong recommendations of our family doctor. He will be under… pic.twitter.com/I4IKOUsoV9

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) March 15, 2026

She added that Wangchuk would be taken for a health checkup following advice from their family doctor. “Taking him for a health checkup as per the strong recommendations of our family doctor. He will be under medical observation for 36 hours in a good hospital!” she wrote.

Wangchuk was released on Saturday after the central government revoked his detention under the National Security Act. He had been held since September last year after protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent.

‘Ordeal of 170 days in jail’

In another post on X, Angmo described the challenges she faced while meeting her husband during his time in jail.

Writing the final letter to the jail superintendent yesterday seeking permission to meet and inform @Wangchuk66 of his release. While I thank Jodhpur for all the love and support, I am glad that @Wangchuk66’s ordeal of being inside the jail for 170 days and my ordeal of making 2… pic.twitter.com/G62m9yE8XB — Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) March 15, 2026

“Writing the final letter to the jail superintendent yesterday seeking permission to meet and inform [Sonam Wangchuk] of his release. While I thank Jodhpur for all the love and support, I am glad that [his] ordeal of being inside the jail for 170 days and my ordeal of making 2 trips a week every week for just a 60 minute meeting over the past 5 months has finally ended!” she wrote.

Government explains decision to revoke detention

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that the decision to revoke Wangchuk’s detention was taken after “due consideration” and as part of efforts to create an atmosphere of peace and stability in Ladakh.

According to the ministry, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests had been detrimental to the region’s peace and had affected students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, impacting the local economy.

The government added that it remained committed to fostering “peace, stability and mutual trust” in Ladakh to facilitate constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

Political reactions pour in

Wangchuk’s release was welcomed by political leaders and community representatives in Ladakh, many of whom described it as a positive development for the region.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre’s handling of the case and said the decision to revoke the detention exposed the government.

“The INC had condemned the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk on completely bogus grounds six months back. Now the Modi Govt has done a total U-turn. It stands fully exposed,” Ramesh said in a post on X, calling on the government to apologise to Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh.

Tsring Lagrok of the Leh Apex Body said the move was good news for Ladakh and called it a personal victory for Wangchuk. Sajjad Hussain Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance said the decision was welcome and urged the government to release other detainees and drop charges against those involved in protests.

Independent MP from Ladakh Mohammad Haneefa Jan described the development as “a great day for the entire Ladakh”, while AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Wangchuk had been falsely accused and targeted.