Months after the events in Leh, the government plans to free Sonam Wangchuk from custody.

Months after the law and order scenario that emerged in Leh in September 2025, the Center has decided to release climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from detention under the National Security Act (NSA).  Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the terms of the National Security Act in accordance with an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, in order to preserve public order, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 

On September 24, 2025, a severe law and order scenario developed in the peaceful town of Leh, which coincided with the imprisonment. Wangchuk has already completed over half of the Act’s incarceration time, according to the ministry.

Wangchuk was the “chief provocateur” behind the rioting in Leh on September 24 that resulted in four fatalities and several injuries, according to the Center’s earlier defense of the arrest before the Supreme Court. It has maintained that when he was placed under arrest, the situation subsided and that all NSA procedural precautions were adhered to.

The government stated that in order to address the goals and worries of the local population, it has been actively interacting with a variety of stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh. However, the government noted that the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of society and has adversely affected several sections of the community, , as well as the overall economy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs 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.

“In furtherance of this objective, and after due consideration, the government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act,” the statement said.

Additionally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to providing Ladakh with all necessary protections and expressed hope that the region’s problems will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the High-Powered Committee mechanism and other suitable platforms.