The central government on Saturday revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act with immediate effect.
The government said it remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
It added that, in furtherance of this objective and after due consideration, the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to revoke Wangchuk’s detention. The government also reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh.
Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator and education reformer from Ladakh, was detained by Ladakh police on September 26, 2025.
His arrest came amid violent protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
He was detained while on his way to a press conference and was booked under the National Security Act for allegedly inciting unrest that left four people dead and around 90 injured. Authorities described him as a “chief provocateur" in a border-sensitive region.
The detention was challenged in the Supreme Court of India by his wife, Tsering Angmo, during hearings held in January and February 2026.
The Centre had defended the detention, saying it helped restore normalcy and that proper procedures were followed. Wangchuk had spent more than 140 days in custody at Jodhpur jail.
