Sonam Wangchuk says he was 'bundled, thrown into jail' without contact, calls for dialogue on Ladakh demands

Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14 after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revoked his detention under the National Security Act.

• Sonam Wangchuk released after 10 days in jail without counsel
• He urges constructive talks for resolving Ladakh's issues
• Wangchuk calls for cooperation, not confrontation, in protests

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Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, speaking publicly for the first time after his release from detention, said he had been held in jail for nearly ten days without any access to his family or legal counsel.

Describing the experience, he said he was “bundled and thrown into jail,” alleging a complete communication blackout during that period.

Wangchuk, who was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14 after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revoked his detention under the National Security Act (NSA), used his first interaction to emphasise the need for a more constructive approach to resolving the ongoing issues in Ladakh.

Reflecting on the larger situation, he stressed that progress would require compromise from all sides. “Talks are a give and take process, both sides have to be flexible and considerate,” he said, cautioning that dragging discussions unnecessarily would only weaken the chances of meaningful outcomes.

He indicated that his involvement in protests was not driven by personal ambition. “I never wanted to do agitations, was forced to sit on protests. We don’t want to. We should join hands and set an example,” he said, suggesting that cooperation rather than confrontation should guide future efforts.

Questioning the handling of protests in Ladakh, Wangchuk alleged that even individuals who had gathered for peaceful purposes were detained.

He claimed that people who went to donate blood were taken into custody and added that two individuals remained in jail.

Addressing the circumstances behind his detention, he attributed it to misinterpretations within official channels.

“Misunderstandings crept into the hierarchy and led them to believe that I am wrong. Linguistic misunderstandings led to the grounds of detention,” he said.

Despite the ordeal, Wangchuk made it clear that he had mentally prepared for a prolonged incarceration. “I was well prepared to spend 12-months in jail,” he remarked, indicating that his resolve had not weakened.

He also linked his eventual release to legal developments, noting that “the advances from the government was possible due to our status in the court.”

While he has not distanced himself from activism, Wangchuk signaled that future engagement must be rooted in clarity and sincere dialogue.

His remarks come against the backdrop of protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, issues he suggested should now be addressed through cooperative and sustained discussions rather than prolonged standoffs.