Kamal Ghorui
JODHPUR/NEW DELHI: Ladakh social and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail Saturday afternoon after the Centre revoked his detention under the National Security Act. His release comes almost six months after he was detained on Sept 26, 2025, two days after protests had broken out in the region while he was on a hunger strike seeking statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Police had opened fire on protesters, killing four people and injuring over 80. Wangchuk left prison in the company of his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who had arrived Saturday morning to receive him. Ratanada SHO Dinesh Lakhawat said police escorted the couple, who were in a private vehicle, out of the prison premises at about 1.30pm. A Union home ministry statement had earlier announced the Centre’s decision to rescind his detention “with immediate effect”, citing its commitment to “fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders”.
The end of Wangchuk’s incarceration six months short of the permissible detention period under NSA comes ahead of a March 16 protest called by Ladakh Apex Body to press for resumption of dialogue with the Centre on constitutional and other safeguards.Govt eyes trust reset with Ladakh leaders after Wangchuk’s releaseThe Centre’s move to free activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to placate members of the Ladakh Apex Body, who had been complaining that no follow-up talks were scheduled to take the dialogue forward on constitutional and other safeguards for the Union territory after the round in early Feb. The decision came just three days before the next hearing in Supreme Court on the habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife challenging his imprisonment. Sources said the govt’s stance in letting Wangchuk walk free is expected to heal any mistrust in LAB regarding the former’s intention to find an amicable solution that takes care of the interests of all sections of Ladakh, adding that it would, simultaneously, strengthen locals’ belief in LAB’s ability to extract the best terms. A source said the home ministry heard the latter’s demands, including for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, and had explained their legal and financial limitations, at last month’s meeting. The Ladakh representatives were told to come back with a revised proposal indicating the financial viability of their demands. However, a senior govt official claims, they instead accused the Centre of failing to call them for the next round of dialogue. “The politicisation of the dialogue through bandhs/protests and the legal challenge to Wangchuk’s detention only added to the atmosphere of mistrust. Freeing Wangchuk should ease the protests and put the dialogue process back on track,” the senior govt official told TOI. The Centre said Saturday it has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community figures in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. “However, 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, and the overall economy,” the govt conceded. The govt said it “reiterates its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the high-powered committee as well as other appropriate platforms”. Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena described the decision to release Sonam Wangchuk as a “positive step” by the Centre towards fostering peace and mutual trust. Saxena said all concerns can be resolved amicably through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, and that there was no place for agitation, bandhs, or violence in Ladakh. Wangchuk had reiterated his commitment to Ladakh in a post on X on March 12: “I have not stepped away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. But activism must serve a larger purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue. Our struggle has always been for Ladakh’s protection, dignity, and long-term wellbeing and shall continue to be!!” Welcoming his release, former Rajasthan chief minister and Congress politician Ashok Gehlot also took to social media, writing, “The news of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s release is welcome, but the entire episode raises serious questions about the functioning of the Modi-led central govt. The person who, a few months ago, was put behind bars after being described as a ‘threat to the nation’s security’ is now suddenly being released, which implies that no evidence was found against him. In such a situation, who will account for the 170 days of his detention? Why was he arrested in the first place?”
