Wangchuk freed as govt revokes NSA detention | India News

Jodhpur/New Delhi: Ladakh Social and Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk He was released from the Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday afternoon after the Center revoked his detention under the National Security Act. His release comes nearly six months after he was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after protests broke out in the region while on a hunger strike demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Police opened fire on the protesters, killing four and injuring more than 80. Wangchuk left the prison with his wife Gitanjali Angmo, who came to receive him on Saturday morning. Ratnada SHO Dinesh Lakhawat said the police took the couple in a private car out of the jail around 1.30 pm. A Union Home Ministry statement earlier announced the Centre’s decision to withdraw its detention “with immediate effect”, citing its commitment to “build an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful discussions with all stakeholders”.

The end of Wangchuk’s imprisonment, six months short of the detention period allowed under the NSA, came ahead of a March 16 protest by the Ladakh apex body to press for resumption of dialogue with the Center on constitutional and other safeguards.After Wangchuk’s release, the government’s confidence in Ladakh leaders has returnedThe Centre’s move to free activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to pacify members of the Ladakh apex body, who have been complaining that no follow-up talks have been scheduled to take the dialogue forward on constitutional and other safeguards for the union territory after the round earlier in February. The decision comes just three days before the next Supreme Court hearing on Wangchuk’s wife’s habeas corpus petition challenging his prison sentence. Sources said the government’s stance on letting Wangchuk go free is expected to cure any mistrust in the LAB about the former’s intention to find an amicable solution to take care of the interests of all sections of Ladakh, adding that it would, at the same time, strengthen local faith in the LAB’s ability to come up with the best word. A source said the home ministry heard the latter’s demands, including statehood and sixth schedule status, and explained their legal and financial limitations in a meeting last month. The Ladakh delegation was asked to come back with a revised proposal indicating the financial viability of their demands. However, a senior government official claimed, they instead accused the Center of failing to call for the next round of dialogue. “Politicization of dialogue through bands/protests and legal challenges to Wangchuk’s detention have only added to the atmosphere of distrust. Freeing Wangchuk should ease protests and put the dialogue process back on track,” senior government official told TOI. The Center on Saturday said it is actively engaging with various stakeholders and community figures 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 is detrimental to the peaceful character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community including students, job seekers, businesses, tour operators and tourists and the overall economy,” the government admitted. The government said it “reaffirms its commitment to provide all necessary security for Ladakh. It is hopeful that issues related to the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue through the High-Powered Committee process as well as other appropriate platforms”. Ladakh LG Binai Kumar Saxena described the decision to release Sonam Wangchuk as a “positive step” by the Center towards peace and mutual trust. Saxena said all concerns can be resolved amicably through constructive discussions and mutual understanding and there is no place for agitation, bandh or violence in Ladakh. Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to Ladakh in a post on 12 March X: “I have not backed away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. But activism must serve a greater purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. This will require transparency, unity and sincere dialogue. Our struggle, Ladakh, for long-term and long-term security. Our struggle, long-term and long-lasting. Will continue!!” Welcoming her release, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress politician Ashok Gehlot also wrote on social media, “The news of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s release is welcome, but the entire episode raises serious questions about the functioning of the Modi-led central government. The person who was put behind bars a few months ago, is now behind bars after what he described as ‘nation’s security’. No evidence has been found against him. In this case, who will account for 170 days of detention? Why was he arrested first?