Congress MP Vivek Tankha has penned a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a review of the detention and subsequent release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk's detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) has sparked widespread concern and debate.
Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator, and education reformist, has been a vocal advocate for the unique needs and environment of Ladakh. He has campaigned for statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region, advocating for the protection of its fragile ecosystem from industrial exploitation.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, following protests in Leh. The protests, which called for statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, turned violent, leading to the death of four civilians after police fired on protestors who allegedly torched a BJP office and vandalized a local government building. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence. However, Wangchuk has denied these allegations, stating that the protests reflected the frustrations of the Ladakhi people with the government's policies.
The NSA empowers the government to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to the defense of India, the relations of India with foreign powers, or the security of the State. The maximum detention period under the NSA is 12 months, but it can be revoked earlier. Wangchuk is currently detained at the Jodhpur Central Jail, nearly 1400 km away from his home in Leh.
Vivek Tankha, a Congress party's Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh, in his letter to Amit Shah, emphasized Wangchuk's deep connection to India, stating that he "breathes India, thinks India, and lives for India". Tankha highlighted Wangchuk's reputation as a respected and influential figure in Ladakhi society and across the nation and internationally. He stressed the importance of the Ladakhi people as an asset to the Indian Army, given Ladakh's status as a border state. Tankha urged the Home Minister to review Wangchuk's detention, cautioning against allowing a "misunderstanding" to cause deep hurt to the "soul" of the region.
The Supreme Court is also involved in the matter. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to "rethink" the continued detention of Sonam Wangchuk. The court noted his nearly five-month-long incarceration and his deteriorating health. Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale, hearing the petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, questioned the government's rationale for his prolonged detention. The court had previously asked for a report on Wangchuk's health condition in jail. While the Solicitor General initially claimed Wangchuk was in good health, the court revealed that the report indicated otherwise. The hearing has been adjourned to February 9.