Why was he jailed? Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP over Sonam Wangchuk's detention

Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP for jailing Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose detention under the NSA was revoked by the MHA. Yadav said the BJP betrayed Ladakh after promising it full statehood status.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday questioned the detention of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk after the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the order, saying he should not have been jailed in the first place. Yadav said the BJP had betrayed Ladakh after promising full statehood for the region.

Akhilesh Yadav Questions Detention

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said,"The question is: why was he sent to jail in the first place? He should not have been sent to jail. The BJP, too, should have supported his movement, as the BJP had promised that Ladakh would be granted full statehood status. It was the BJP that betrayed them..."

MHA Revokes Detention Order

His remarks came after the government had decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act (NSA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday.

MHA said the government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, and that the decision to revoke Wangchuk's detention has been taken in furtherance of this "objective and after due consideration".

It further said that the government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region.

However, the MHA pointed out, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, tourists and the overall economy.

"The government reiterates its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms," added the MHA.

Background of Detention and Legal Challenge

In the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on September 24, 2025, Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the provisions of the NSA pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order.

Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the said Act.

Supreme Court Intervention

Earlier, on February 26, the Supreme Court scheduled the final hearing on a plea challenging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act for March 10. The Court also questioned whether his speeches and social media posts could legitimately be interpreted as provocative and linked to the Leh violence of September 24, 2025.

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