Wangchuk returns to Ladakh after NSA revocation, calls for relief to detainees

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who returned to Leh after her release from custody, said on Sunday, March 22, 2026, that the Ladakh movement will remain peaceful and expressed hope for constructive participation among all stakeholders.

Noting that “many things have gone wrong” in Ladakh, Mr Wangchuk said the focus should now be on correcting past mistakes rather than dwelling on them, and appealed for assistance to those still facing legal action in connection with the Ladakh agitation.

Mr. Wangchuk was welcomed with a grand reception at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport on Sunday. Members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and a large number of well-wishers gathered to welcome him at the airport.

He was recently released by the Center after nearly six months of detention under the National Security Act.

“A new step has been taken and we see it as a positive. Although some say it is about defeat or victory, we do not want to see it that way,” he told reporters.

Mr Wangchuk said the situation should not be seen as victory or defeat, but as an opportunity for progress through mutual cooperation.

He also expressed hope that both sides would respond with greater openness to build trust and resolve existing concerns. “If they take one step there, we will take two steps there; if we take two steps, they will take four steps; this is our expectation from those concerned,” the climate activist said.

He reiterated his call for dialogue and a collaborative approach to meet the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.

Mr Wangchuk said he hoped the resulting “new atmosphere” would bring comfort to those in prison and ensure that pending cases are handled fairly.

“I hope that when these dark clouds disperse, a new dawn will come for them. Their treatment should be provided as soon as possible, and the cases against them should be handled correctly,” he said.

He also called for commemorating those who lost their lives during the agitation and supporting the injured by helping them return to work, describing these steps as a meaningful recognition of their sacrifices.

“It feels right because I believe that everything will turn out positively, not only after I am released from jail but also from the general atmosphere I have seen. I have witnessed the love of the people of Ladakh, especially from the way the reception was held today and the efforts made by the Apex body and the KDA,” he said.

Noting that “many things have gone wrong” in Ladakh, Mr Wangchuk said the focus should now be on correcting past mistakes rather than dwelling on them.

“Even if the whole day goes wrong, we have to purposely try to get better. I want to stay positive with that hope,” he said.

On the possibility of new protests emerging, Mr Wangchuk said he hoped such a situation would not arise and maintained that any future movements would remain peaceful.

“If so, we will walk on the path of right, truth and peace, and we will not deviate from peace or truth,” he said.

He emphasized that his struggle was not personal, but was aimed at addressing broader issues facing Ladakh. “It’s important that the subject wins, even if it looks like I’ve lost. I’ll keep trying because otherwise it becomes a cycle that doesn’t teach anyone anything.” Wangchuk urged all parties to avoid hardline stances, asserting that future talks on Ladakh-related issues should be conducted in a positive spirit of “give-and-take”.

He also expressed hope that the prevailing atmosphere would lead to constructive results, saying that the overwhelming public support reflected the people’s desire for unity and progress.

“Our message has always been to understand the feelings of all parties through struggle and dialogue. I hope the latest developments will be satisfactory for everyone,” he said.

Mr. Wangchuk emphasized that lessons should be learned from past events. “Learning is more important than revenge or retaliation. We must remember, learn, and move forward.” The activist said he plans to meet with the families of those killed during the protests to greet and thank them for their sacrifices.

Responding to slogans hailing him as a “lion”, Mr Wangchuk said he preferred to compare himself to a donkey symbolizing patience, endurance and service, adding that he was inspired by ants for their spirit of collective work and sacrifice for society.

Describing the latest decisions as a significant turning point, Mr Wangchuk said they reflected a growing awareness of previous mistakes and expressed hope that Ladakh would now move towards a more positive future.

The activist was released from Jodhpur Central Jail after the government canceled his detention under NSA. He had been in custody since September 26, 2025.

It was published – 23 March 2026 03:33 IST