The central government has revoked the preventive detention of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, bringing an end to months of legal and political controversy surrounding his arrest.
Authorities said the decision was taken with immediate effect in order to restore normalcy in Ladakh and encourage constructive dialogue in the region. Officials explained that lifting the detention order could help reduce tensions and create conditions for discussions over long-standing demands raised by local groups in the Union Territory.
The move marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over governance, political representation, and constitutional protections in Ladakh.
Ladakh Protest: Why Was Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under the NSA?
The government said Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, following a serious law and order situation in Leh that occurred two days earlier. Local authorities had issued the detention order after protests demanding greater political rights for Ladakh turned violent. According to officials, the order was issued by the District Magistrate of Leh to maintain public order in the region.
Under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, authorities can detain individuals without trial if they believe the person may act in a way that threatens national security or public order. The law allows preventive detention for up to 12 months, although the government can revoke the order earlier depending on the circumstances.
Officials noted that Wangchuk had already served nearly half of the maximum detention period permitted under the law before the government decided to withdraw the order.
What is the National Security Act (NSA)?
The National Security Act, enacted in 1980, allows the government to detain individuals without a formal charge if authorities believe they may threaten national security, public order, or the defence of India. The law falls under preventive detention provisions, which means a person can be held to stop them from carrying out activities that could disturb peace or security.
Under the NSA, a person can be detained for up to 12 months, although authorities must periodically review the detention. The government can also revoke the order earlier if it believes the situation has improved or if continued detention is no longer necessary.
Ladakh Protest & Demand for Sixth Schedule Status
Wangchuk’s arrest came shortly after large demonstrations erupted in Ladakh demanding statehood and constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule. The protests intensified in September 2025 when clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. The unrest resulted in the deaths of four people while nearly 90 others suffered injuries.
Local groups have been campaigning for stronger safeguards for Ladakh’s culture, environment, and land rights since the region became a Union Territory in 2019. Supporters of the movement argue that Sixth Schedule status would provide constitutional protections similar to those enjoyed by certain tribal regions in northeastern India.
Ladakh Protest: Transfer to Jodhpur Central Jail After Arrest
After his detention under the National Security Act, Wangchuk was transferred from Ladakh to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. Authorities moved him outside Ladakh due to security concerns and to prevent further unrest in the region.
The detention drew national attention as Wangchuk is widely known for his environmental activism and educational initiatives in Ladakh. His arrest also triggered debate about the use of preventive detention laws in cases involving political or social movements.
Ladakh Protest: SC Petition Challenging Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention
Following his arrest, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India challenging his detention under the National Security Act. In the petition, Angmo described the detention as illegal and argued that it violated Wangchuk’s fundamental rights.
She also said Wangchuk had repeatedly urged protesters to remain peaceful and had condemned violence during the demonstrations. According to the petition, Wangchuk warned that violent actions could damage Ladakh’s long-standing peaceful movement.
Ladakh Protest: Government Accused Activist of Inciting Youth Protests
Earlier, authorities alleged that Wangchuk attempted to mobilise young people to launch protests similar to those seen in other countries. Officials claimed he had encouraged demonstrations resembling movements that took place in Nepal and Bangladesh.
However, Wangchuk’s supporters strongly rejected those accusations and argued that his activism focused on peaceful environmental and political advocacy. The case quickly became a major political issue, with activists, civil society groups, and legal experts debating whether the detention was justified under national security provisions.
Ladakh Protest: Move Aims to Restore Peace in Ladakh
Announcing the decision to revoke the detention order, the government said the step was taken to promote peace and encourage dialogue in Ladakh. Officials stated that easing tensions would help create an environment where discussions could take place on the region’s demands and future governance structure.
The move may also open the door for renewed negotiations between the central government and Ladakh’s civil society organisations. Political observers say the decision could help reduce tensions that have persisted in the region since the protests began last year.
Ladakh Protest: What Happens Next?
The revocation of Wangchuk’s detention is expected to influence the ongoing movement for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh. Activists have continued to demand greater political representation, environmental protections, and recognition of local rights in the region.
While the government has lifted the detention order, the broader political questions surrounding Ladakh’s governance remain unresolved. Observers say future discussions between the Centre and regional leaders will play a key role in determining how these demands are addressed in the coming months.
