Government Revokes Detention of Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk After Six Months

NEW DELHI, March 14, 2026 — In a significant development for the Ladakh region, the Union Government has officially revoked the detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect.

According to an official statement released on Saturday, the Centre exercised its powers under the National Security Act (NSA) to cut short the detention period, which began on September 26, 2025. Wangchuk had been held for nearly six months following his arrest in the wake of intense protests in Leh, where demonstrators demanded statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The activist was originally detained under the orders of the District Magistrate of Leh to “maintain public order” and was subsequently transferred to a correctional facility in Jodhpur. Having served approximately half of the maximum detention period prescribed under the NSA, the government noted that his release comes as part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in the Union Territory.

The official statement emphasized that the government is now “actively engaging” with various regional stakeholders and community leaders to address the long-standing aspirations and socio-political concerns of the Ladakhi people.