The Union government on Saturday announced that it has revoked the detention of noted climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who had been held under the stringent provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) following violent protests in Leh last September. The decision was confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which said the move was aimed at restoring normalcy and encouraging constructive dialogue in the region.
Wangchuk had been detained months earlier and subsequently lodged in a jail in Jodhpur after authorities invoked the NSA, citing concerns over public order during protests in Leh. The demonstrations had turned violent, prompting the administration to take preventive measures to control the situation.
In an official statement, the government said Wangchuk’s detention had been carried out to maintain public order during a sensitive period. However, after reviewing the circumstances and the evolving situation in Ladakh, authorities decided to revoke the order with immediate effect.
“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,” the statement said. “In furtherance of this objective, and after due consideration, the Government has decided to revoke the detention of Shri Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act.”
The Centre also reiterated that it has been actively engaging with community leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the region’s residents. Officials emphasized that maintaining social harmony and economic stability in the strategically important Himalayan region remains a priority.
At the same time, the government expressed concern over the impact of continued bandhs and protests in Ladakh. According to the MHA, the prolonged disruptions have adversely affected several sections of society, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, and tourists, ultimately harming the region’s economy.
Earlier, the Centre had accused Wangchuk of attempting to mobilize young people for large-scale protests, drawing comparisons with movements in neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s detention had also become the subject of a legal challenge in the Supreme Court of India. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, had filed a petition arguing that the detention under the NSA was illegal and arbitrary, alleging that it violated Wangchuk’s fundamental rights.
In her petition, Angmo maintained that Wangchuk had repeatedly condemned violence through his social media platforms and had urged supporters to maintain peaceful protests. She stated that he had warned that any violence would undermine Ladakh’s “tapasya”—a term he used to describe the region’s five-year-long peaceful struggle for its demands.
The government’s decision to revoke the detention is expected to ease tensions in Ladakh and potentially open the door for renewed discussions between authorities and local groups seeking political and administrative safeguards for the region.
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