Jailed for 170 days, Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk set to return home after MHA revokes NSA detention order

LG Saxena welcomes Wangchuk's release but clarifies 'no space for agitation and violence'

March 15, 2026

Centre keen on kick-starting stalled dialogue process in the cold desert region

On March 14, 2026, just one day after Vinai Kumar Saxena took oath as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revoked the detention of prominent climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).

Wangchuk had been held since September 26, 2025, nearly 170 days, following violent protests in Leh on September 24, 2025, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The MHA invoked Section 14 of the NSA to revoke the Leh district magistrate’s detention order, effective immediately, resulting in Wangchuk’s release from Jodhpur Central Jail.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the decision as a “positive step” toward peace and dialogue. However, he stressed “no space for agitation and violence” in Ladakh, signalling that while dialogue is preferred, unrest will not be tolerated.

Big victory for Ladakh: LAB

Leh Apex Body (LAB) described the revocation as a “big victory” for Ladakh, vindicating Wangchuk’s innocence and removing the “anti-national” label from the region.

Co-chairman Chering Dorjey stated the government “saved its face” ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, but emphasized the peaceful struggle for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion will continue. LAB highlighted the hurt caused by the allegations, asserting Ladakhis as among India’s most nationalist people.

Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) also welcomed the move but demanded the immediate release of remaining detainees (e.g., Deldan Namgial and Smanla Dorjey) and unconditional dropping of charges against others. KDA member Sajjad Kargili reiterated that the struggle for legitimate rights persists.

Ladakh MP Mohamad Hanifa hailed the release and urged acceptance of statehood and Sixth Schedule demands. He called for the release of other detainees, the withdrawal of cases against protesters, and the resolution of issues through dialogue, affirming protest as a constitutional right.

Writing the final letter to the jail superintendent yesterday seeking permission to meet and inform @Wangchuk66 of his release. While I thank Jodhpur for all the love and support, I am glad that @Wangchuk66’s ordeal of being inside the jail for 170 days and my ordeal of making 2… pic.twitter.com/G62m9yE8XB
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) March 15, 2026

The government’s stated rationale emphasizes fostering “peace, stability, and mutual trust” in the Union Territory (UT) to enable “constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.”

This move comes ahead of a scheduled Supreme Court hearing on March 17, 2026, challenging the detention, suggesting a strategic preemptive action to avoid potential judicial scrutiny.

The protests stem from long-standing demands by Ladakh’s civil society groups, primarily the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The demands included:

Granting full statehood to Ladakh.
Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for tribal protections.
Enabling autonomous district councils with greater legislative.
Administrative powers over land, resources, and local governance.

Additional safeguardsincludeseparate parliamentary seatsfor Leh and Kargil, filling governmentvacancies, and protectingthe fragile environment and tribal land rights.

These demands arose after the 2019 reorganization, with escalated protests in 2025 culminating in violence. Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism, was accused of delivering provocative speeches that incited unrest. However, protest leaders maintain the charges were baseless and politically motivated to discredit the movement as “anti-national.”

Leaders across parties, including J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti, welcomed the release, viewing it as a de-escalation gesture. Welcoming the revocation of the NSA against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for the release of those arrested in the valley during the recent anti-US and anti-Israel protests.

“He should not have been arrested. His arrest was wrong and that too under the NSA,” Abdullah told reporters.

PDP Chief welcomed the Centre’s decision to revoke the detention of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), saying the stringent law should never have been invoked against the environmentalist.

The revocation, occurring one day after Saxena’s oath, strongly indicates a deliberate policy shift during the new LG’s tenure. Saxena, formerlythe Delhi LG, brings administrativeexperience, and his immediate endorsement positions this as part of a renewed,dialogue-focused approach.

Centre is willing to engage with real stakeholders

The MHA’s explicit commitment to dialogue, combined with ongoing high-level talks (including a February 4, 2026, High-Powered Committee meeting chaired by MoS Nityanand Rai, at which LAB and KDA reiterated their demands), suggests the Centre is keen to restart substantive negotiations. This avoids escalation, especially with planned protests and the Supreme Court looming.

Releasing Wangchuk addresses a key grievance and removes a flashpoint, but does not concede core demands like statehood or Sixth Schedule. It “saves face” for both sides: the Centre preempts an adverse court ruling, while Ladakh groups gain momentum and vindication.

LAB and KDA have made clear that the agitation continues, with protests planned despite the release. Remaining detainees and pending cases could reignite unrest if not addressed. The new LG emphasis on non-violence sets boundaries for future protests.

This development reflects a pragmatic response to prolonged unrest in a strategically sensitive border region (near China and Pakistan). Dialogue could lead to incremental concessions (e.g., empowered councils), but full statehood remains unlikely without constitutional amendments. The move boosts morale in Ladakh, potentially facilitating calmer talks, but failure to progress on demands risks renewed deadlock.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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