New Delhi: The Union Government has announced the immediate revocation of the detention of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk, nearly six months after his arrest under the National Security Act. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official statement on Saturday confirming that the decision was made to cultivate an environment of peace and mutual trust within the region. Wangchuk, who had been held since September 26, 2025, was released from a correctional facility in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where he had completed nearly half of his stipulated detention period.
The Home Ministry emphasized that the government remains dedicated to providing necessary safeguards for Ladakh and expressed hope that regional concerns would be resolved through constructive engagement. Officials highlighted that while the administration has been actively consulting with community leaders to address local aspirations, the persistent atmosphere of strikes and protests has negatively impacted the economy and daily life for students and businesses. The government reiterated that the High-Powered Committee remains the primary platform for addressing demands related to the Union Territory’s status and constitutional protections.
Wangchuk’s detention originally followed a period of significant unrest in Leh, where protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion escalated into violent clashes. Although the government previously argued that his presence in the region posed a risk to public order, the sudden release comes just days before a scheduled hearing in the Supreme Court regarding a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo. While the revocation marks a significant step toward de-escalation, local organizations like the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have indicated that their pursuit of constitutional safeguards for the people of Ladakh will continue through peaceful means.
