Within hours of Vinai Kumar Saxena taking oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the detention of noted activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk had been lodged in Jodhpur jail since September 26, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the NSA detention had been revoked.
"The Government is committed to creating an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders," the statement said.
"Towards this end, and after due deliberation, the Government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect, exercising the powers conferred under the National Security Act," the official statement added.
"The Government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region," the statement said.
However, it noted that the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests had been detrimental to the peace-loving character of society and had adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, tourists and the overall economy.
The Government reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh and expressed hope that the issues concerning the region would be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.
Wangchuk detained under NSA in September 2025
Following unprecedented violence in Leh town on September 24, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, under the provisions of the National Security Act pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with the objective of maintaining public order. Wangchuk has already served almost half of his detention period under the Act.
Saxena takes oath as fourth LG of Ladakh
Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Friday, took oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and assured residents that his administration would work to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
After the ceremony at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar, Saxena emphasised sustainable development, tourism promotion, and grassroots engagement to address the challenges of the region.
Describing Ladakh as the "crown of India," he said he would work wholeheartedly in accordance with the aspirations and needs of the people.
Highlighting his development approach, Saxena said he intends to visit villages and remote areas across Ladakh to understand the problems faced by people on the ground and identify practical and sustainable solutions.
