Leh DM Defends Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention Under NSA, Cites Threat to State Security
New Delhi: The Leh District Magistrate has told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for indulging in “activities prejudicial to the security of the state, maintenance of public order, and essential services.”
In an affidavit defending the detention order, the DM denied allegations of illegal detention or mistreatment, stating that the grounds and supporting materials were duly communicated to Wangchuk.
The activist was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule left four people dead and 90 injured. Authorities have accused Wangchuk of inciting violence during the agitation.
The DM said the decision to detain Wangchuk was taken after a “careful consideration of all materials” and based on a “subjective satisfaction” that his actions posed a threat to public order and state security. “I was and continue to be satisfied with the necessity of the detention,” the affidavit stated.
The response came in connection with a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention and seeking his immediate release. The DM informed the top court that Wangchuk was clearly notified about his detention under the NSA and his transfer to Central Jail, Jodhpur, Rajasthan — a fact also communicated to his wife by phone.
According to the affidavit, the detention order and supporting documents were forwarded to the Advisory Board under Section 10 of the NSA, within the prescribed time frame. The DM noted that Wangchuk has not yet filed a formal representation as allowed under the Act.
“Although the petitioner sent a letter to the President of India, it was not addressed to the Advisory Board or any statutory authority. Nevertheless, since a copy was marked to the Union Territory of Ladakh, the letter was placed before the Board,” the affidavit added.
The Advisory Board has since informed Wangchuk that he may file a representation by October 10, 2025, if he chooses to do so.
The NSA allows the government to detain individuals for up to 12 months to prevent acts deemed harmful to national security or public order, though the detention can be revoked earlier.
Wangchuk is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
