Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist from Ladakh, is still detained in Jodhpur Central Jail under the NSA after the Leh protests. His wife’s Supreme Court plea and public outrage have turned his arrest into a national debate on dissent and democracy.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Current Location and Status
As of October 22, 2025, education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains detained at Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan.
He was arrested on September 26, 2025, under the National Security Act (NSA) after violent protests in Leh, Ladakh that left four civilians dead and dozens injured.
Authorities accuse him of making provocative speeches referencing the Arab Spring, Bangladesh, and Nepal revolutions, urging Gen Z youth to rise for Ladakh’s autonomy.
Wangchuk denies inciting violence, insisting his activism is Gandhian and non-violent.
Why Was Sonam Wangchuk Arrested?
The Ladakh administration claims his speeches threatened public order and “national security.”
Officials cited:
- His participation in a Pakistan climate event (Feb 2025)
- His NGO’s FCRA license cancellation
- “Foreign funding” concerns for environmental campaigns
Wangchuk’s supporters call these claims baseless, arguing his focus was climate change, glacier conservation, and tribal rights, not politics.
Timeline: Key Updates Since the Arrest
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 26 | Arrest & Transfer | Wangchuk detained under NSA, shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail. |
| Oct 3 | Wife’s Supreme Court Plea | Gitanjali J. Angmo files habeas-corpus petition calling detention “mala fide.” |
| Oct 5 | Wangchuk’s Jail Letter | Calls for judicial probe into Leh killings, urges peaceful protests. |
| Oct 6–14 | SC Hearings Begin | Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar & N.V. Anjaria issues notices to Centre & Ladakh UT. |
| Oct 12 | Retired Bureaucrats React | Ex-civil servants condemn arrest as “vindictive.” |
| Oct 15 | Family Contact Allowed | Court lets him send notes to wife’s lawyer; hearing adjourned to Oct 29. |
| Oct 18 | Judicial Probe Ordered | Govt orders inquiry into Leh violence but no release order yet. |
| Oct 22 | Protests Continue | LAB & KDA meet Home Ministry; supporters mark “Day 28 of Detention.” |
Public Reaction: Divided Nation
Supporters say:
- Wangchuk’s arrest is an attack on free speech and environmental activism.
- Hashtags like #FreeSonamWangchuk and #JusticeFor4Martyrs trend daily.
- Public vigils continue across Leh, Delhi, and Jammu.
Critics argue:
- His tone in speeches could have provoked unrest.
- The government must prioritize national security in a sensitive border region.
Even former J&K CM Omar Abdullah and civil-service veterans have called the detention “disproportionate.”
Government’s Stand
The Ladakh administration defended its actions in the Supreme Court, stating:
“Sonam Wangchuk was categorically informed of his detention and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail following due process.”
What Happens Next?
- Supreme Court hearing on October 29 will decide if the detention stands or gets quashed.
- Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) plan more peace marches until release.
- A judicial probe into the September 24 clashes is ongoing.
If the Court finds the NSA misuse proven, Wangchuk could be freed and possibly compensated.
The Bigger Picture: Ladakh’s Unrest
At the heart of this case is a larger issue:
- Statehood demand for Ladakh
- Sixth Schedule tribal protections
- Ecological safety in a fragile Himalayan zone
Wangchuk has become a symbol of peaceful dissent, echoing his message—
“If saving glaciers is sedition, I’ll wear that badge with pride.”
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FAQ: Sonam Wangchuk Detention Explained
Q1. Where is Sonam Wangchuk right now?
He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan, under the National Security Act.
Q2. Why was he detained under the NSA?
Authorities claim his speeches incited unrest after Leh protests. Wangchuk maintains his movement was peaceful.
Q3. What is his wife’s legal action?
Gitanjali J. Angmo filed a habeas-corpus plea in the Supreme Court challenging the detention as unconstitutional.
Q4. When is the next court hearing?
The next Supreme Court hearing is on October 29, 2025.
Q5. What are people demanding?
Activists want his immediate release, a fair judicial inquiry, and recognition of Ladakh’s right to statehood and tribal protection.