Centre Informs Supreme Court: Sonam Wangchuk Detained Over Security Concerns in Ladakh

Government Cites National Security Threat in Border Region

The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) due to alleged inflammatory activities in a sensitive border region. Authorities stated that Wangchuk was encouraging unrest in an area close to India’s borders with China and Pakistan.

During a hearing before a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that Wangchuk’s detention followed due legal procedure and was prompted by concerns related to national security and public order.

Wangchuk was taken into custody by the police on 26 September 2025, two days after violent protests took place in Leh on 24 September. The violence reportedly led to four deaths and injured 90 people.

NSA Invoked After Protests in Leh  

The detention was carried out under the provisions of the National Security Act, which permits the government to detain individuals considered a threat to the nation’s security or public order for up to one year. Wangchuk had been actively leading a movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh.

The government maintains that he played a role in instigating the protests that turned violent. Officials claim his speeches and public statements had the potential to disturb peace in the strategically crucial border region.

Previous Court Statements Reflect Security Concerns

Earlier, on 2 February, the government submitted in court that Wangchuk’s activities could contribute to creating conditions similar to those in Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, and posed a risk to the unity and integrity of India. The Solicitor General argued that the District Magistrate had rightly taken action after assessing the situation on the ground.

The Centre also referred to Wangchuk’s public references to geopolitical issues and alleged that his statements had the capacity to influence youth and escalate tensions in the region.

Family Challenges Detention in Apex Court

Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, has contested the detention in the Supreme Court, asserting that it lacked proper justification. Represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Angmo contended that the decision was made without supplying Wangchuk with complete documentation, including four videos cited by authorities for his detention.

Angmo argued that withholding these materials affected Wangchuk’s right to defend himself adequately and impacted his ability to represent his case before the Advisory Board, which reviews NSA detentions.

She further stated that Wangchuk was not responsible for the violence and had condemned the incidents on social media, warning that such disruptions could derail Ladakh’s peaceful movement for statehood.

Health Concerns Emerge in Jodhpur Central Jail

Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail. His legal team has raised concerns over his deteriorating health, alleging that contaminated water in the prison has resulted in severe abdominal pain and infection.

Responding to the health concerns, the Supreme Court directed the jail authorities to conduct a medical examination by a specialist. The government informed the court that Wangchuk has undergone 21 medical check-ups so far.

Ladakh, which was previously part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, became a separate Union Territory without a legislative assembly following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A on 5 August 2019. Wangchuk has been advocating for statehood for the Union Territory and constitutional safeguards for its people.

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