- The Centre has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act.
- Wangchuk was detained in September 2025 after being accused of inciting a mob in Leh.
- The government said the move aims to promote peace and dialogue in Ladak
The climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention has been revoked by the Centre under the National Security Act (NSA). The detention came after Wangchuk was accused of allegedly inciting a mob in the town of Leh on September 24, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the provisions of the National Security Act pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order.
The decision considered by the ministry noted that Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the Act.
As per the statement, "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."
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"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," it added further.
The Centre had previously defended the detention, telling the Supreme Court of India it detained Wangchuk after the Centre alleged that he was the chief provocateur in the Leh violence, in which four people died and dozens were injured, citing that to calm the situation the custody of the activist was necessary and that all procedural safeguards under the NSA were followed.
The government urged that he has been actively engaging with various community leaders in Ladakh to address the people of the region, but the prevailing atmosphere has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of society, affecting several sections of the community as well as the overall economy.
The government's priority lies in peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
Hunger Strike Over Ladakh Demands
A hunger strike was launched by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10, 2025, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Wangchuk has led multiple hunger strikes to press for these demands, saying the measures are necessary to secure democratic rights in the region. The protests have also highlighted concerns over protecting Ladakh's fragile Himalayan ecology, unique culture, and tribal identity from potential industrial exploitation.
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