Jammu and Kashmir Congress Applauds Release of Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has officially welcomed the Centre's decision to revoke the detention of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). This move comes after Wangchuk was held for over six months, following violent protests in Leh that resulted in four fatalities. The party asserts that the revocation was influenced by mounting pressure from his case in the Supreme Court and widespread public support in the Ladakh region.
Questions Raised Over Detention Circumstances and Calls for Further Action
While celebrating Wangchuk's release, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress has raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his prolonged detention. Ravinder Sharma, the chief spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), emphasized in a social media post that the activist was held "without clear justification" for more than half a year. The party is now urging the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to also revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik, who has been in custody since September 2025.
Background on the Detentions and Legal Proceedings
Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, just two days after protests erupted in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Centre cited the need to foster peace in Ladakh as the reason for revoking his detention, a decision announced on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This action followed the Supreme Court's adjournment of a plea filed by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention, with the hearing rescheduled for March 17.
In a related case, Mehraj Malik, who serves as the AAP's Jammu and Kashmir unit president, was detained under the PSA on September 8, 2025, for allegedly disturbing public order. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh reserved its order on a petition contesting his detention on February 23, 2026, highlighting ongoing legal battles over the use of preventive detention laws in the region.
Political Implications and Future Demands
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress's statements underscore a broader political stance on civil liberties and governance in the union territory. By linking Wangchuk's release to judicial and public pressure, the party is positioning itself as a vocal advocate for transparency and justice. Their demand for Malik's release further amplifies calls for reevaluating the application of laws like the PSA, which have been criticized for their potential misuse in suppressing dissent.
This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Ladakh, where activists and political figures continue to push for constitutional safeguards and greater autonomy. The Congress's involvement signals ongoing political engagement with these issues, potentially influencing future policy discussions and legal outcomes in Jammu and Kashmir.
