New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk detention revoked announcement has come from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), confirming his release after nearly six months under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk was detained for allegedly inciting a mob with provocative statements in Leh, Ladakh, during protests over statehood and constitutional safeguards.
MHA Statement on Sonam Wangchuk Detention Revoked
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that it has decided to revoke Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA after “due consideration” and that he had already served nearly half of the period of detention. The MHA emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh, while engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to address the region’s aspirations.
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“The prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has adversely affected students, businesses, tourists, and the overall economy. The government remains committed to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh,” the statement said following the decision to revoke Sonam Wangchuk detention.
Background of the Detention
Wangchuk was detained on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests over statehood and constitutional protection left four people dead and around 50, including security personnel, injured in Leh. The district magistrate had ordered his detention under the NSA to maintain public order, and Wangchuk was subsequently transferred to Jodhpur prison.
The activist, known for highlighting climate change issues in Ladakh, had also demanded safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. In 2023, he had conducted a 35-day fast to press the statehood demand, which later turned into violent protests. Wangchuk called off the fast, stating that his “message of peaceful path had failed.”
Supreme Court and Family Intervention
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged the detention in the Supreme Court. During hearings, the top court criticized the Centre over the translation of Wangchuk’s speech, which formed the basis of his detention. The court observed that there was “certain malice” if a 3-minute speech was transcribed as 7–8 minutes, raising concerns over procedural fairness.
Political Reactions
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the decision, noting that the 169-day detention was excessively long. He urged the Supreme Court to establish strict norms for maximum permissible detention without trial, emphasizing that indefinite detention is an outdated colonial practice. Tharoor tweeted, “Delighted that the Centre has revoked Sonam Wangchuk detention, but 169 days seems to have been inordinately long. Indefinite detention has no place in a mature democracy.”
The announcement that Sonam Wangchuk detention revoked marks a significant development in Ladakh’s ongoing dialogue over statehood, constitutional protections, and environmental concerns. Activists and political leaders hope that this step will facilitate constructive engagement and restore peace and stability in the region.