The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Saturday that the government has decided to revoke the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in connection with the violence that occurred in Leh last September. Wangchuk had been detained for several months and later lodged in a jail in Jodhpur under the provisions of the National Security Act.
According to the government, Wangchuk was initially detained to maintain public order following the violent protests in the region. In a statement, the government said it remains committed to maintaining peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh to enable constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.
The statement added that after reviewing the situation and considering the broader objective of restoring normalcy, the government has decided to revoke Wangchuk’s detention with immediate effect using the powers provided under the National Security Act.
The Centre also said it has been actively engaging with community leaders and other stakeholders in Ladakh to address the concerns and aspirations of people in the region. However, it noted that the ongoing atmosphere of protests and shutdowns has affected the region’s social and economic life, impacting students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, tourists, and the overall economy.
Earlier, the government had alleged that Wangchuk attempted to mobilise young people for protests similar to those seen in neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India challenging his detention under the NSA. She described the move as illegal and arbitrary, arguing that it violated his fundamental rights. She also stated that Wangchuk had condemned the violence on social media and maintained that any violence would undermine Ladakh’s peaceful struggle over the past five years.
Wangchuk’s detention came two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule resulted in four deaths and around 90 injuries in the Union Territory. Authorities had earlier accused him of inciting the unrest.
