Centre revokes climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention with immediate effect months after Leh protests
PTC News Desk: The Centre has decided to immediately revoke climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), months after protest in Leh in September 2025.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the provisions of the National Security Act pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order.
The Centre had earlier defended the detention before the Supreme Court of India, stating that Sonam Wangchuk was the “chief provocateur” behind the September 24 violence in Leh, in which four people were killed and several others injured. It maintained that all procedural safeguards under the National Security Act were followed and claimed that the situation stabilised after he was taken into custody.
The government also said it has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the region’s residents.
At the same time, the Centre noted that the ongoing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been harmful to the peace-loving fabric of society and has negatively impacted several sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, as well as the overall economy.
- With inputs from agencies
