The Central government on March 14, 2026, revoked the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect, ending his 169-day detention under the National Security Act. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Reacting to the development, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the government’s move but questioned the long period of detention without trial. In a post on X, Tharoor said that keeping someone in detention for such a long time without a trial reflects an outdated and undemocratic practice that traces back to the colonial era. He also urged the Supreme Court of India to establish clear guidelines on the maximum duration a person can be held under preventive detention laws.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the decision to revoke Wangchuk’s detention was taken after careful consideration and as part of efforts to promote peace, stability and trust in Ladakh. The government said it remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with community leaders and other stakeholders in the region to address the aspirations and concerns of the local population.
However, the ministry also pointed out that ongoing protests and bandhs in the region have affected normal life and caused difficulties for students, job seekers, businesses, tour operators, tourists and the local economy.
Wangchuk was originally detained on September 26, 2025, under provisions of the National Security Act after authorities reported a serious law-and-order situation in Leh on September 24, 2025. The detention order was issued by the District Magistrate of Leh to maintain public order in the region.
