Jodhpur / Leh-Ladakh:
Renowned environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk has finally been released after nearly 170 days of detention. The Central Government decided to revoke his preventive detention imposed under the National Security Act (NSA), following which he walked out of the Jodhpur Central Jail.
After his release, Sonam Wangchuk left the jail premises in a private vehicle along with his wife Geetanjali and departed for his home. As soon as the news of his release spread, his supporters expressed happiness, as they had been waiting for a long time for his freedom.
Arrest after the violence of 24 September 2025
On September 24, 2025, protests were taking place in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. During the protest, the situation turned violent and law and order deteriorated. In the violence, four people lost their lives and more than 150 others were reportedly injured.
Following the incident, the administration accused Sonam Wangchuk of provoking people and disturbing public order. He was taken into preventive custody under the National Security Act. Later, for security reasons, he was shifted from Ladakh to Jodhpur Central Jail, nearly 1,000 kilometers away.
Demand for release had been ongoing for months
After his arrest, several social organizations, environmental activists, and supporters across the country demanded his release. They argued that Wangchuk had been working for many years on environmental conservation, education, and local rights in Ladakh.
However, the administration maintained that his speeches and protest activities had contributed to rising tensions in the region, which allegedly led to the violent situation.
Central Government revoked the detention
After around 170 days in custody, the Union Home Ministry decided to revoke the preventive detention order against him. Following the official order, the jail authorities in Jodhpur completed the formal procedures and released him.
After his release, it is expected that Sonam Wangchuk will once again continue his initiatives related to environmental protection and social issues in Ladakh.
