New Delhi: In a major development, the Union Government on Saturday revoked the detention of Ladakh-based activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), paving the way for his immediate release from Jodhpur jail where he had been lodged since his detention on September 26, 2025.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, marking a significant turn in the high-profile case even as a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife challenging the detention was pending before the Supreme Court.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the decision was taken after due consideration and as part of efforts to restore peace and facilitate constructive dialogue with stakeholders in Ladakh. The order revoking Wangchuk’s detention takes immediate effect.
Wangchuk had been detained under the provisions of the National Security Act following a law and order situation that arose in Leh on September 24, 2025. The detention order had been issued by the District Magistrate of Leh with the aim of maintaining public order in the region.
According to the ministry, Wangchuk has already served nearly half of the permissible detention period under the Act.
The government said it has been engaging with community leaders and various stakeholders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. However, it noted that ongoing bandhs and protests had affected the social and economic environment in the area.
“The prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, as well as the overall economy,” the ministry said.
The government added that it remains committed to fostering an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh in order to enable meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
It also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ladakh and expressed hope that the issues concerning the region would be resolved through constructive engagement, including through discussions under the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.
The development comes while a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo challenging his detention was pending before the Supreme Court of India.
