Sonam Wangchuk to be released after six months in jail

NEW DELHI: Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested for allegedly leading the violent protests in Ladakh in September 2025, is set to be released from jail after six months. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk is being released to help ensure peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh.

The decision comes just before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife Geetanjali on the 17th seeking his release. The government said the move is part of efforts to build confidence among all stakeholders. Discussions are also ongoing with various leaders in Ladakh to resolve public issues.

The Centre stated that repeated protests had negatively affected the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh and impacted several sectors. Students, job seekers, businesses, tour operators, tourists, and the overall economy were adversely affected, it said.

Wangchuk was arrested last September after protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status turned violent. He was detained under the National Security Act and later shifted to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

"Wangchuk’s release is a positive step. The demand for Ladakh's statehood should be accepted."
- Mohammad Haneefa
Ladakh MP