Last Updated:March 14, 2026, 12:16 IST

Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator and education reformer from Ladakh, was detained by Ladakh police on September 26, 2025.

The central government on Saturday revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. It added that, in furtherance of this objective and after due consideration, the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to revoke Wangchuk’s detention. The government also reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh.

Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha, who was leading the legal fight in the Supreme Court for Sonam Wangchuk’s release, said, “I am glad that the Government of India has notified the release of Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Sonam was detained in Ladakh on September 26. Sonam’s actions were misunderstood. He is an icon of climate change and glaciers. A real nationalist."

Arrest in 2025 protests

Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator and education reformer from Ladakh, was detained by Ladakh police on September 26, 2025.

His arrest came amid violent protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

He was detained while on his way to a press conference and was booked under the National Security Act for allegedly inciting unrest that left four people dead and around 90 injured. Authorities described him as a “chief provocateur" in a border-sensitive region.

The detention was challenged in the Supreme Court of India by his wife, Tsering Angmo, during hearings held in January and February 2026.

The Centre had defended the detention, saying it helped restore normalcy and that proper procedures were followed. Wangchuk had spent more than 140 days in custody at Jodhpur jail.  

News india Centre Decides To Revoke Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Months After Leh Protests

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