Leh: Activist Sonam Wangchuk received a rousing public welcome on his return to Leh on Sunday, nearly six months after being detained under the National Security Act (NSA), with supporters lining roads and gathering in large numbers to greet him, according to media reports.
Wangchuk, who had been lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail since September 26, 2025, was released after the Union Government revoked his detention ahead of a Supreme Court hearing.
He arrived in Leh Crowds assembled outside Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and along key routes, while members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and other supporters organised a formal reception.
A large public gathering was also planned at NDS Stadium to mark his return.
Addressing a rally, Wangchuk expressed optimism after his release and return to Ladakh. “I am feeling very good. After 170 days, coming back to these mountains and meeting people, I hope a new sun will rise for the cause for which we are working,” he said, as quoted in reports.
He also thanked people across the country for supporting the movement.
Wangchuk had been detained following protests in Leh last year demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The demonstrations turned violent, leaving four people dead and nearly 100 injured. Authorities had alleged that the protests were incited by provocative statements, an allegation that formed part of the basis for his detention.
During his incarceration, Wangchuk led a hunger strike to press for Ladakh’s demands, which include constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and greater political autonomy.
Reflecting on his time in custody, he described it as an opportunity for personal introspection, while also noting concerns from a justice perspective.
“In my personal life, it was positive. It gave me time to reflect. From a justice perspective, many mistakes were made… but I understand there is awareness of those mistakes,” he said, according to media interactions.
He also referred to his detention as a “huge horror story” and highlighted the challenges faced by his wife in pursuing legal remedies during that period. At the same time, he said he did not wish to hold bitterness and was willing to move forward through dialogue.
Wangchuk said the Centre had extended an “open hand” to initiate a meaningful engagement process with stakeholders in Ladakh. Emphasising a collaborative approach, he called for a “win-win” solution rather than a confrontational “win-lose” outcome.
“This is what we have wanted. We had to struggle, walk to Delhi, and sit on a hunger strike. All movements in Ladakh are aimed at starting the dialogue process,” he said.
He announced plans to hold consultations with both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to determine the future course of the movement.
The LAB and KDA have been engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs over key demands, including statehood and Sixth Schedule status—issues that have remained unresolved since Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Officials cited in reports said the revocation of Wangchuk’s detention was being viewed as a step towards reducing tensions and building trust in the region. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena termed the move a “positive step” towards ensuring peace, stability and mutual confidence, while stressing that there should be no space for violence.
Meanwhile, demonstrations linked to the demands continued earlier this week in parts of Leh and Kargil, organised by civil society groups, even as calls for dialogue gain momentum.
Wangchuk is also expected to meet families of those who lost their lives during last year’s unrest, as part of efforts to reconnect with the community and take forward the movement through consultations and negotiations.
