Sonam Wangchuk Released from Jail After Six Months as India Revokes NSA Detention

New Delhi: The Government of India on Saturday revoked the detention of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). This decision frees him after nearly six months in jail.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a post on X “The Government decides to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect after due consideration” 

“He was detained on 26 September 2025 under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) following a serious law-and-order situation in Leh on September 24, 2025. The detention order had been issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order in the region.” the ministry said in an official statement. 

The detention order alleged that he was “indulging in activities prejudicial to national security.” After his detention, he was shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail.

Wangchuk, 59, is a well-known environmental advocate. He became a key figure in Ladakh’s movement for greater autonomy. He was held in September and later charged under the NSA after protests that left four people dead and dozens wounded.

Under the NSA, a suspect can be detained for up to 12 months without formal charges. It is not clear if the charges against Wangchuk were dropped.

The government noted that Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the NSA. The Ministry said the decision was taken in order to restore peace and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue in Ladakh.

The Government said it remained committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, moved the Supreme Court on October 3 seeking a writ of habeas corpus and challenging the legality of the detention. The Court issued notice to the Centre on October 6, 2025.

The matter was heard on multiple dates. A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale was scheduled to hear the case on March 17. However, before the hearing could take place, the Centre revoked the detention order with immediate effect.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said “I believe the Sonam Wangchuk case has been withdrawn – the law that was imposed on him has been revoked. It should never have been imposed on him in the first place.”

The release of Sonam Wangchuk is seen as a step towards calming tensions in Ladakh. Many hope it will help start open talks between the government and local groups on issues like autonomy, jobs, and protection of the fragile Himalayan region.

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Shoaibur Rahman

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