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Ladakh Leader Hails Sonam Wangchuk's Release as Ramadan Gift

The Ministry of Home Affairs has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Kargil Democratic Alliance leader Sajjad Hussain Kargili welcomed the decision, calling it good news for Ladakh during Ramadan and terming the case unjustified. He reiterated demands for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, urging the government to resume dialogue. The MHA stated the move aims to foster peace and facilitate constructive talks with stakeholders in the region.

Key Points: Sonam Wangchuk's NSA Detention Revoked by MHA

  • MHA revokes Sonam Wangchuk's NSA detention
  • Kargili calls case unjustified
  • Demand for release of other detainees
  • Call for dialogue on Ladakh's statehood
  • Emphasis on Ladakh's peace-loving character
3 min read

Revocation of Sonam Wangchuk's detention good news in Ramadan: KDA leader Sajjad Hussain Kargili

MHA revokes climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention. KDA leader Sajjad Hussain Kargili welcomes the move as good news for Ladakh during Ramadan.

"The people of Ladakh have received good news in the holy month of Ramadan. - Sajjad Hussain Kargili"

Leh, March 14

After the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, Sajjad Hussain Kargili on Saturday welcomed the move, calling it good news for the people of Ladakh during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking to ANI in Leh, Kargili said that the people of Ladakh had been demanding the same and termed the case against Wangchuk unjustified.

"The people of Ladakh have received good news in the holy month of Ramadan. We wanted the same. This case was unjustified," Kargili said.

He added that people in Ladakh have been struggling for a long time for the region's statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Kargili further urged the government to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Ladakh through dialogue.

"Our second demand is that the remaining detainees should also be released, and our people who are now out on bail -- all the charges against them should be dropped unconditionally," he said.

Emphasising the peaceful nature of the people of Ladakh, Kargili said they have no interest in developing a culture of protests.

"The people of Ladakh are peace-loving. We have no interest in developing a culture of protests... If the government doesn't want any more protests, they should resume dialogue and fulfil our legitimate demands," he added.

Earlier in the day, the government had 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.

MHA 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, 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.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good news indeed. But the question remains - why was he detained in the first place if the case was "unjustified"? The NSA is a serious act. We must ensure it's not used lightly against activists raising genuine concerns. The government should also release others as Kargili sahab said.
S
Sajjad H
As someone from the region, I appreciate this gesture during the holy month. Ladakhis are peaceful people. We don't want protests, we want our constitutional rights and protection for our unique culture and environment. Let this be the start of real dialogue, not just a one-time move.
R
Rohit P
The MHA statement makes sense. Bandhs and protests hurt local businesses and students the most. Ladakh's economy depends heavily on tourism. Hopefully, with Wangchuk's release, things will calm down and the government can work with all stakeholders for a permanent solution. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, while the release is good, calling it "good news in Ramadan" feels like it's mixing religion with a purely administrative and legal decision. The focus should be on justice and dialogue for Ladakh, not on which religious month it coincides with.
D
David E
Interesting to follow this from outside. Sonam Wangchuk is known globally for his climate work. Detaining such figures hurts India's image. Glad he's free. Hope the government engages sincerely with the people of Ladakh. Their demands for constitutional protection seem legitimate.

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