The central government on Saturday revoked the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on Sonam Wangchuk. According to the government, the order came into effect immediately, paving the way for his release from jail.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that Wangchuk had already completed nearly half of his detention period under the NSA.
Wangchuk had been detained under the NSA on September 26, 2025, two days after violence broke out in Leh on September 24 during his hunger strike. Soon after his detention, he was transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail, where he has remained for the past 170 days. With the NSA order now withdrawn, he is expected to be released.
Jail superintendent Pradeep Lakhawat said he learned about the decision through a press note. “We have not yet received any official order. Once the order arrives, further action will be taken according to jail rules,” he said.
The National Security Act (NSA) allows the government to detain individuals who are considered a threat to national security or public order. Under this law, a person can be held in preventive detention for up to 12 months.
Wangchuk was arrested while leading a movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh. His detention followed violent protests during the movement, in which four people were killed and about 90 others were injured. The government alleged that Wangchuk had incited the violence.
