New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday revoked the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act with immediate effect.
The MHA in a statement, issued to news agency, said: “After due consideration, the government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect.”
It said that the government remains committed to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh.
Referring to the Ladakh situation, the MHA said, “In the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on September 24, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025 under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order. He has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act,” it said.
The statement said that the Government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. “However, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists and overall economy,” it said.
The statement further said that 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.
The MHA statement said the government remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms.
Welcome Wangchuk’s release, but no space for violence: LG
Leh, Mar 14: Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday welcomed the central government’s decision to revoke the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, terming it a positive step for the region.
However, Saxena said there is “no space for agitation” and violence in the Union territory, and all issues pertaining to the aspirations and concerns of people would be addressed through dialogue with stakeholders.
The Centre on Saturday said it has revoked with immediate effect the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, nearly six months after he was arrested following violent protests in Leh that left four dead.
Omar, Mehbooba welcome Wangchuk’s release
Srinagar: Kashmir leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after the union government decided to revoke his detention under National Security Act (NSA).
Omar said the activist should never have been arrested in the first place, particularly under the stringent NSA.
“It was wrong to arrest him. And that too under the NSA. …He was released. It’s a good thing. The situation in Ladakh should be good. We want that too. We are emphasizing that the promises that have been made to us (Jammu and Kashmir) should be fulfilled. Similarly, the promises that have been made to Ladakh should also be fulfilled,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar.
PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the case registered against Wangchuk should never have been filed in the first place.
Mufti said Wangchuk, widely known for his work on environmental protection and community welfare, was wrongly targeted.
The Awani Itehad Party, headed by jailed MP Rashid, said that the decision to revoke NSA to Wangchuk has sent a hopeful message across the region.
The party spokesman, Inam-un-Nabi, welcoming the move, urged the union Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the same compassionate approach towards Kashmiri detainees who have been lodged in different jails across the country for years.
