Sonam Wangchuk Released After Govt Revokes NSA Detention

Activist Sonam Wangchuk released after the Centre revoked NSA detention following Ladakh protests. The move raises questions over his six-month arrest.

Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has walked free after the Government of India revoked the preventive detention order imposed on him under the National Security Act. Wangchuk had been in detention for nearly six months following protests in Ladakh that turned violent in September 2025.

The activist was detained on September 26, 2025, after unrest erupted in Leh during protests related to demands for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Authorities had alleged that the protests escalated into violence, which resulted in property damage and a police crackdown in the region.

After the government revoked the NSA order, Wangchuk was released from custody, marking the end of a detention that had sparked widespread debate across political and civil society circles.

Background: Promises and Protests in Ladakh

During the campaign for the 2024 Indian General Election, the Bharatiya Janata Party stated in its manifesto that it would work toward providing Ladakh constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, create more job opportunities, and protect the region’s culture and environment.

However, many activists and regional groups later argued that progress on these promises remained limited. Civil society organizations in Ladakh continued to demand stronger protections for the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and greater administrative safeguards for local communities.

For decades, Wangchuk and his family have been closely associated with Ladakh’s cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives.

Wangchuk’s Activism

Wangchuk is widely known for his work as an engineer, innovator, and education reformer. His initiatives have focused on sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Among his notable contributions are:

• The Ice Stupa technology, designed to store winter glacier water for irrigation during dry seasons.

• Mobile solar-powered tents and other renewable energy solutions suitable for high-altitude regions.
• Educational reforms through institutions promoting alternative learning models in Ladakh.

In June 2020, following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between India and China, Wangchuk appealed to Indians to use their “wallet power” to boycott Chinese products. The call received widespread attention across the country.

Climate Fasts and Political Demands

In recent years, Wangchuk has led several campaigns to highlight climate change and governance concerns in Ladakh.

On January 26, 2023, he attempted to stage a climate fast at Khardung-La Pass to draw attention to the environmental vulnerability of the region. Authorities prevented him from reaching the location, citing extreme weather conditions and safety concerns.

In March 2024, Wangchuk began a hunger strike to press for constitutional protections and environmental safeguards for the Union Territory of Ladakh. Later that year, during a march from Ladakh to Delhi to raise awareness about these demands, he and his supporters were detained by Delhi Police near the Singhu border before being released a few days later.

The September 2025 Unrest

On September 24, 2025, protests in Leh escalated into violence. According to official reports:

• A BJP office was set on fire
• Property belonging to the Ladakh Hill Council was vandalized
• Police opened fire during the crackdown, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to several others

Authorities imposed curfew restrictions and carried out mass arrests across the city.

The Ministry of Home Affairs later held Wangchuk responsible for allegedly inciting the protests. Wangchuk denied the allegations, stating that the protests reflected growing public frustration over political and environmental issues in the region and that he had appealed for peace when violence began.

Two days later, Wangchuk was detained under the NSA and moved to Jodhpur Central Jail.

Legal Challenge and Controversy

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, later approached the Supreme Court of India by filing a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of his detention.

The case was heard several times but was repeatedly adjourned over the following months.

During the period of detention, questions were also raised by activists and civil society groups regarding restrictions imposed on organizations associated with Wangchuk, including investigations into institutions linked to his work.

Release Raises Questions

Now, after six months in detention, the government has revoked the NSA order, allowing Wangchuk to walk free.

His release has once again triggered debate over the use of preventive detention laws and the handling of protests in sensitive regions such as Ladakh.

Some analysts argue that the government acted to maintain law and order during a volatile situation, while others believe the episode highlights concerns about the use of stringent laws against activists and protest movements.

At the same time, questions remain about whether further inquiries will be conducted regarding the allegations and counter-allegations that emerged during the protests and subsequent detention.

The Road Ahead

With Wangchuk now released, attention is likely to shift back to the larger demands being raised by civil society groups in Ladakh — particularly constitutional safeguards, environmental protection, and economic opportunities for the region.

Whether the government and Ladakhi leadership can find common ground on these issues may determine the next phase of the movement.