The Union Government has revoked the preventive detention of prominent environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. The decision aims to restore peace and create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue in Ladakh.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, following a law-and-order situation in Leh on September 24, 2025. The District Magistrate of Leh issued the detention order to maintain public order. Wangchuk had already served nearly half of the maximum permissible detention period under the NSA.
The revocation follows a review of the situation and aims to foster an environment supportive of dialogue and stability. Wangchuk was held in Jodhpur Central Jail after his detention.
His wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, had filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court challenging the detention. The petition has been under judicial consideration since October 2025, with the next hearing scheduled for March 17.
The government hopes the move will ease tensions and pave the way for constructive engagement with stakeholders in Ladakh, where Wangchuk is a prominent voice on environmental protection and regional governance issues.