Government Withdraws NSA Detention Order Against Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk

New Delhi March 14, KNT: The Union Government has revoked the detention of Ladakh-based environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), stating that the decision was taken to help restore peace and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue in the region.

Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025 under the provisions of the preventive detention law following a law and order situation that reportedly arose in Leh two days earlier.

According to the government, the detention order had been issued by the District Magistrate of Leh on September 26 with the objective of maintaining public order in the region.

Officials said the decision to revoke the detention was taken after reviewing the circumstances and noting that Wangchuk had already undergone nearly half of the maximum period of preventive detention permitted under the NSA.

The activist had been transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail following his detention.

The detention had also been challenged in the Supreme Court through a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife.

The petition questioned the legality of the detention order and sought his release.

The Supreme Court has been hearing the matter since last year and is scheduled to continue proceedings on March 17.

The case is listed before a bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale.

Officials said the revocation of the detention order was aimed at creating conditions for dialogue and maintaining stability in Ladakh.

Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator and environmental activist, has been associated with various initiatives related to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Himalayan region.

Further legal proceedings in the Supreme Court are expected to take place as scheduled. [KNT]