NEW DELHI: Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday described his nearly six-month detention in Jodhpur Central Jail as a “huge horror story,” while highlighting the difficulties faced by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, in pursuing legal remedies during the period.
Wangchuk was released recently after the government revoked his detention under the National Security Act. He expressed hope that the authorities would continue engaging in meaningful dialogue, stating that further action would only be considered if talks fail.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Wangchuk said he had been mentally prepared to remain in jail for up to a year and share his experiences afterward. He alleged that he was taken into custody abruptly from his home without being allowed to contact his family or lawyers for several days.
He also recounted the challenges faced by his wife, who, according to him, struggled to reach out to the media due to heavy security presence and later travelled to Delhi to seek legal intervention. Wangchuk claimed she was followed for weeks in what he described as a “cat-and-mouse chase” on the streets of the capital.
Calling the experience a “huge horror story,” he said it was extremely difficult to communicate with his legal team during his detention. However, he acknowledged that the jail staff maintained professionalism and treated inmates with fairness.
Welcoming the government’s initiative to begin dialogue, Wangchuk termed it a “win-win” situation—not just for him, but for Ladakh, the environment, and the broader causes he represents. He said his struggle has always been aimed at ensuring larger benefits for the region rather than personal victory.
He further expressed hope that the ongoing developments would set a precedent for the responsible use of laws like the National Security Act in the future, possibly guiding policymakers and authorities.
Wangchuk reiterated that the core demand of various movements in Ladakh has been the initiation of a constructive dialogue process. He noted that recent public demonstrations have also focused on urging the government to come to the discussion table.
The activist was taken into custody on September 26, 2025, following protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
