NEW DELHI – In a significant move to de-escalate tensions in the Ladakh region, the Union Home Ministry has revoked the detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) with immediate effect.
The decision marks the end of Mr. Wangchuk’s preventive detention, which began in September 2025 following widespread protests in Ladakh. The activist had been leading a movement demanding statehood for the Union Territory and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Fostering Dialogue in Ladakh
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the revocation aims to create a "conducive environment for constructive dialogue" within the Union Territory.
"The Government is committed to fostering an atmosphere of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate meaningful engagement with all stakeholders. This decision is taken to further that objective," the MHA statement read.
Legal Battle and Background
Mr. Wangchuk was detained last year after authorities alleged that his public statements during the protests posed a threat to public order. The NSA allows for preventive detention of up to 12 months without formal charges if the state deems an individual's actions harmful to national security.
The detention quickly became a high-profile legal battle. A Habeas Corpus petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Mr. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging the arrest as "arbitrary" and a violation of fundamental rights.
During the proceedings earlier this year, the Supreme Court had questioned the government's interpretation of the activist's speeches, suggesting that authorities might have "read too much" into his statements. While the Centre defended the move as a precautionary measure, Mr. Wangchuk maintained that his protests were entirely peaceful and fell within his democratic rights to criticize policy.
With the NSA order now withdrawn, the focus shifts back to the pending discussions regarding Ladakh’s constitutional future.
