In a surprising turn of events, the Centre decided to revoke the detention of Ladakhi activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on Saturday, nearly six months after he was first taken into custody. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) noted in an official release that Wangchuk “has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act.”
Following “due consideration” and in an effort to foster an “environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust” for “meaningful dialogue” in Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to revoke Sonam Wangchuk’s detention “with immediate effect”.
According to the ministry, Wangchuk had been detained “in the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on 24 September 2025.” On that day, a group of protestors demanding statehood and 6th Schedule protections clashed with security personnel which resulted in the deaths of four persons in police firing.
Two days after the violence, Wangchuk was detained and then transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. While the Centre alleged he was the “chief provocateur” and that order was only restored after his arrest, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance – organisations in negotiations with the Centre – have continuously demanded his release.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has been hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging the detention. Although the court was scheduled to hear the matter on March 17, today’s announcement ensures his release ahead of that date.
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