Published: 13 March 2026Al JazeeraGovernance
Sonam Wangchuk Released from Jodhpur Jail After 6 Months; NSA Detention Revoked
The Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the National Security Act (NSA) detention of prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk (59) on March 14, 2026, releasing him from Jodhpur jail after nearly six months. Wangchuk was detained in September 2025 during Ladakh protests demanding statehood or Sixth Schedule protections for tribal communities.
Wangchuk, an environmental advocate and innovator known for the Ice Stupa artificial glacier innovation, became a key figure in Ladakh's movement for autonomy after the region lost statehood provisions when J&K was reorganised into Union Territories in 2019. His supporters planned celebrations in Leh for his return on March 22. Ladakh leaders reiterated that Sixth Schedule and statehood demands are non-negotiable.
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Linked questionMedium
Sonam Wangchuk was released on March 14, 2026 from which jail after revocation of his NSA detention?
Explanation · Correct answer BWangchuk was released from Jodhpur jail after nearly six months of NSA detention. He demanded Ladakh statehood or Sixth Schedule protection.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Sonam Wangchuk released from NSA detention from Jodhpur jail in March 2026?
The **Ministry of Home Affairs** revoked the **National Security Act (NSA)** detention of **Sonam Wangchuk** on **March 14, 2026**, ordering his immediate release from **Jodhpur jail** after nearly **6 months**. Wangchuk was detained in **September 2025** following Ladakh protests demanding **statehood or Sixth Schedule protection**.
What is the National Security Act (NSA) and why was it applied to Sonam Wangchuk?
The **National Security Act (NSA)** allows preventive detention without trial for up to 12 months for national security reasons. **Sonam Wangchuk**, 59, was detained under NSA in **September 2025** after Ladakh protests demanding **statehood or Sixth Schedule status** for tribal communities. NSA was revoked on **March 14, 2026**.
What did Sonam Wangchuk protest about in Ladakh before his NSA detention?
**Sonam Wangchuk** led protests in **Ladakh** demanding **statehood or Sixth Schedule protections** for tribal communities. He was arrested in **September 2025** following protests in which **four people were killed**, and held under the **NSA** in **Jodhpur jail** for nearly **6 months** until March 14, 2026.
What is the Sixth Schedule and why did Ladakh activists like Sonam Wangchuk demand it?
The **Sixth Schedule** of the Indian Constitution provides autonomous district councils for tribal areas, protecting indigenous communities' land and cultural rights. **Sonam Wangchuk** and Ladakh activists demanded either **statehood or Sixth Schedule** status to protect Ladakh's tribal identity after it became a Union Territory in 2019.
How long was Sonam Wangchuk in Jodhpur jail before his NSA detention was revoked?
**Sonam Wangchuk**, 59, was held in **Jodhpur jail** for nearly **6 months** — from **September 2025** to **March 14, 2026** — when the **Ministry of Home Affairs** revoked his **NSA (National Security Act)** detention and ordered his immediate release.
