Within hours of Vinai Kumar Saxena being sworn in as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the detention of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk had been held at Jodhpur jail since September 26, 2025, following violent unrest in Leh.
In a statement issued Saturday morning, the Ministry said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to fostering “peace, stability and mutual trust” in Ladakh — conditions it deemed essential for constructive dialogue with all stakeholders in the region.
“The Government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect, exercising the powers conferred under the National Security Act,” the statement read.
The Ministry acknowledged that it had been actively engaging with community leaders and various stakeholders across Ladakh to address the region’s concerns and aspirations. At the same time, it cautioned that the ongoing cycle of bandhs and protests had undermined Ladakh’s traditionally peace-loving character and taken a measurable toll on students, job seekers, businesses, tour operators, tourists, and the broader economy.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s interests and expressed confidence that outstanding issues could be resolved through structured dialogue — including through the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.
Background: Wangchuk’s Detention
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the NSA on the orders of the District Magistrate of Leh, days after unprecedented violence broke out in Leh town on September 24. The detention was aimed at preserving public order. By the time it was revoked, Wangchuk had already served nearly half of his prescribed detention period.
Saxena Takes Charge as Ladakh’s Fourth LG
A day earlier, Vinai Kumar Saxena was administered the oath of office as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar. In his address following the ceremony, Saxena described Ladakh as the “crown of India” and pledged to work wholeheartedly in the service of its people.
Outlining his vision for the region, he stressed the importance of sustainable development, tourism promotion, and grassroots engagement. Notably, he announced his intention to personally visit villages and remote corners of Ladakh to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing local communities and to identify practical, long-term solutions.
