New Delhi/Jodhpur/Leh, March 14: Incarcerated for nearly six months, activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday afternoon, hours after the Union Government announced its decision to revoke his detention under the National Security Act, a move welcomed by political parties and agitating Ladakh outfits.
Wangchuk, 59, was detained on September 26 last year under the stringent NSA on an order issued by the Leh district magistrate, two days after violent protests erupted during an agitation by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance for statehood to Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, leaving four people dead.
The activist was kept in Jodhpur Central Jail, where he had already undergone nearly half of the detention period stipulated under the Act, according to a statement issued by the Centre announcing the decision to revoke his detention “with immediate effect”.
“He was released from jail at about 1.30 pm today following an order from the central government,” Ratanada Police Station SHO Dinesh Lakhawat said in Jodhpur, adding his wife, Geetanjali Angmo, was there to complete the formalities.
The decision, which the Centre said was to foster an environment of peace and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, comes days after the Supreme Court adjourned to March 17 the hearing on a plea filed by the activist’s wife challenging his detention.
In its official statement, the government on Saturday reiterated its commitment to foster an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
Reiterating its “commitment” to provide all necessary safeguards for Ladakh, the government expressed hope that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the “mechanism of the High-Powered Committee”, constituted to address the concerns of the people of Ladakh, and other appropriate platforms.
Two days ago, Wangchuk had written on X that a just future for Ladakh would require sincere dialogue.
Newly sworn-in Ladakh Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the Centre’s decision, calling it a “positive step”, but underlined that “there is no place for agitation, bandhs, or violence in Ladakh. Such actions do not contribute to meaningful progress.” “Instead, the path of cooperation and peaceful engagement should be followed to achieve lasting solutions,” he said in a statement issued by Lok Bhavan.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are spearheading the agitation over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, termed the release a “big victory” for the people of Ladakh, saying it vindicated their stand on his innocence and removed the anti-national blot on the region. (PTI)
