March 14, 2026 : The Central government has revoked the preventive detention order issued against Ladakh-based activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The decision was conveyed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which exercised its powers under the law to cancel the detention order.

Wangchuk had been in detention since September 2025 after authorities invoked the NSA in connection with protests in Ladakh. The order was initially issued by the District Magistrate of Leh during demonstrations related to demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Officials had cited concerns about maintaining public order while imposing the preventive detention. With the Centre’s latest decision, the detention order has been withdrawn, clearing the way for Wangchuk’s release.

The development comes while legal proceedings challenging the detention were still pending before the Supreme Court of India. Wangchuk’s detention had drawn significant attention from activists and civil society groups, who raised concerns over the use of preventive detention laws in connection with protests in Ladakh. The revocation of the order marks a significant development in the case.