Ladakh MP Hails "Great Day" as Govt Revokes Activist Sonam Wangchuk's NSA Detention

The Ministry of Home Affairs has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act with immediate effect. Independent Ladakh MP Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan welcomed the move, calling it a great day for Ladakh and hoping for the release of other jailed activists. The MHA stated the decision aims to foster peace and facilitate dialogue with stakeholders in the region. Wangchuk was detained in September 2025 following a serious law and order situation in Leh.

Key Points: Sonam Wangchuk Released as MHA Revokes NSA Detention

  • MHA revokes NSA detention of Sonam Wangchuk
  • Ladakh MP calls it a "great day" for the region
  • Government cites commitment to peace and dialogue
  • Detention was linked to Leh violence of September 2025
  • Supreme Court had scheduled a final hearing on the plea
3 min read

"Great day for entire Ladakh": MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan as MHA revokes Wangchuk's detention

Ladakh MP welcomes release of activist Sonam Wangchuk after MHA revokes his NSA detention, calling it a "great day" for the region.

"He has been released today... It is a great day for the entire Ladakh. - Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan"

Leh, March 14

Independent MP from Ladakh, Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan, on Saturday welcomed the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk following the revocation of his detention under the NSA, calling it "a great day for the entire Ladakh" and urging the release of other jailed activists.

Speaking to ANI, Jan said, "He has been released today with the NSA revoked against him. It is a great day for the entire Ladakh. We hope that other activists who are still in jail will also be released soon, and that justice will be served to them."

The government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act (NSA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday.

MHA said the government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, and that the decision to revoke Wangchuk's detention has been taken in furtherance of this "objective and after due consideration".

It further said that the government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region.

However, the MHA pointed out, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, tourists and the overall economy.

"The government reiterates its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms," added the MHA.

In the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on September 24, 2025, Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the provisions of the NSA pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order. Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act.

Earlier, on February 26, the Supreme Court scheduled the final hearing on a plea challenging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act for March 10. The Court also questioned whether his speeches and social media posts could legitimately be interpreted as provocative and linked to the Leh violence of September 24, 2025.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some good news! Sonam Wangchuk is a respected figure. His detention was excessive. The government should engage with genuine voices from the region, not silence them. 🙏
R
Rohit P
While release is good, the MHA statement makes valid points. Bandhs and protests hurt the local economy and students the most. Ladakh depends on tourism. Activists must find a balance between protest and public welfare.
S
Sarah B
Interesting timing, right before the Supreme Court hearing. The government is trying to avoid judicial scrutiny. The court's question about linking his speech to violence is crucial. This isn't over.
V
Vikram M
As someone from the hills, I understand the delicate situation. Ladakh's identity and environment are at stake. Hope this release leads to real talks about statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
A step in the right direction, but half the detention period is already served. That's not justice. The government must also release others and address the core demands regarding land, jobs, and cultural preservation for Ladakhis.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50