National, March 14: The Union Government has revoked the preventive detention of noted environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, stating that the move was aimed at restoring peace and creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
In an official statement, the Centre said Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025 following what authorities described as a serious law-and-order situation in Leh on September 24, 2025. The preventive detention order was issued by the District Magistrate of Leh to maintain public order in the region.
Officials noted that Wangchuk had already completed nearly half of the maximum permissible period of preventive detention allowed under the National Security Act. After reviewing the prevailing situation, the government decided to revoke the detention order with the aim of fostering an environment supportive of dialogue and stability in the region.
Following his detention, Wangchuk was shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Jodhpur, where he remained in custody for several months.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has been hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, challenging the legality of the detention. The petition has been under judicial consideration since October last year.
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale is scheduled to hear the matter next on March 17.
The revocation comes amid heightened national attention on developments in Ladakh, where Wangchuk has emerged as a prominent voice on environmental protection and regional governance issues. Officials indicated that the decision is expected to ease tensions and encourage constructive engagement with stakeholders in the region.
