The Union government has revoked the detention of Ladakh-based climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), paving the way for his immediate release after nearly six months in custody.
“In the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on 24 September 2025, Shri Sonam Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order. Shri Sonam Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act,” Press Information Bureau letter by Ministry of Home Affairs said.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday. In an official statement, the government said the move was taken to foster an atmosphere of peace and enable constructive dialogue with stakeholders in Ladakh. The ministry added that the government remains committed to promoting “peace, stability and mutual trust” in the region while addressing the concerns of its residents.
Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025, under provisions of the NSA following a serious law-and-order situation in Leh two days earlier. The detention order was issued by the District Magistrate of Leh to maintain public order amid widespread protests in the Union Territory.
The protests were linked to ongoing demands by various Ladakhi groups for constitutional safeguards, including statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides protections for tribal regions. Demonstrations and shutdowns had intensified in the region during September 2025, and clashes between protesters and security forces led to violence and casualties.
Authorities said Wangchuk had already completed nearly half of the maximum detention period permitted under the NSA. Taking this into account, along with ongoing engagement between the government and community leaders in Ladakh, the Centre decided to revoke the detention order with immediate effect.
“The government also noted that prolonged protests and bandhs had affected daily life and economic activity in the region, impacting students, job aspirants, businesses and the tourism sector. Officials said revoking the detention was part of a broader effort to ease tensions and encourage meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders,” the press release said.
Wangchuk is widely known for his environmental activism and educational innovations in Ladakh. He has been an outspoken advocate for climate protection and sustainable development in the Himalayan region. His detention had drawn criticism from civil society groups and supporters who argued that the activist had been unfairly targeted for his role in the protests.
With the NSA detention now withdrawn, Wangchuk is expected to be released without further restrictions related to the preventive detention order. The government has expressed hope that the issues surrounding Ladakh’s political and environmental demands can now be addressed through dialogue and institutional mechanisms.
The development marks a significant turn in the Ladakh agitation, which has been ongoing for several years and continues to centre on demands for greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards for the region.
