New Delhi, 14 March (H.S.): The central government has revoked the National Security Act (NSA) detention against Ladakh social activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect, after he served nearly half of the stipulated custody period. Wangchuk spearheaded protests seeking full statehood for Ladakh.

In a Saturday statement, the Union Home Ministry explained the decision aims to cultivate peace, stability, mutual trust in Ladakh, and facilitate constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. Leh District Magistrate had invoked NSA on September 26, 2025, amid grave law-and-order disruptions in peaceful Leh city on September 24, to preserve public order.

The government affirmed active engagement with Ladakh's stakeholders and community leaders to address aspirations and concerns. Ongoing shutdowns and protests have disrupted students, job seekers, traders, tourism operators, and tourists, adversely impacting the local economy, the statement noted.

Authorities expressed optimism for resolving issues through the high-powered committee and suitable forums via collaborative dialogue. The Centre reiterated its commitment to furnishing all requisite measures for Ladakh's security.

Notably, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenged the detention as unlawful and arbitrary in the Supreme Court, with hearings ongoing. This revocation precedes the March 17 hearing by three days.

Wangchuk's agitation for Ladakh statehood turned violent on September 24, 2025, claiming four lives and injuring over 85. Detained two days later under NSA—which empowers custody up to 12 months for threats to security or public order—he was transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar