In a significant development, the Union government on Saturday, March 14, 2026, revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), five months after he was lodged in Jodhpur jail following the Leh protests.

The decision has been described as a step toward easing tensions in the Ladakh region and fostering “mutual trust.”

Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism and advocacy for Ladakh’s rights, was detained during protests demanding constitutional safeguards and stronger protection for the region’s ecology and governance.

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Court proceedings and details of detention

During earlier hearings, Wangchuk’s counsel told the court that, when the activist met his lawyers, he said he had only been shown thumbnails of the videos cited as evidence against him, and that the actual videos were never played for him. The court subsequently stated that it would review the videos stored in a pen drive that had earlier been directed to be produced from Wangchuk’s possession.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, argued that a video in which Wangchuk clearly said that he did not support violence was not taken into consideration. Instead, Sibal contended that irrelevant material had been presented before the detaining authority.

Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the National Security Act (NSA), a law that authorises governments to take preventive measures against individuals deemed a threat to public order or national security. He was later moved to Jodhpur. His detention came two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood, and Sixth Schedule status resulted in four deaths and around 90 injuries in the Union Territory. Authorities had alleged that Wangchuk played a role in inciting the violence.

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Government’s statement on Wangchuk’s release

According to the government, Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following orders issued by the district magistrate of Leh in order to “maintain public order.” After the detention, he was shifted to Jodhpur prison.

The statement noted that Wangchuk had already completed nearly half of the detention period permitted under the NSA.

It further added that the government has been in continuous dialogue with stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address the concerns and aspirations of people in the region