New Delhi: Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena, has strongly criticized the BJP-led Indian government’s handling of Ladakhi innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, describing his prolonged detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) as “shameful.”
According to Global Mirror, in a media interview, Priyanka Chaturvedi urged the Indian government to heed Wangchuk’s long-standing demands for Ladakh and called for restoration of statehood to Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting Wangchuk’s peaceful activism and environmental advocacy, she said he was unjustly detained despite raising legitimate concerns. “He raised his voice for environmental issues and remained a dedicated activist, yet he was jailed despite no fault of his own. Even after his release, his struggle continues,” she said.
She emphasised that the movement in Ladakh is not about congrontation but about fulfilling promises made to the people, urging meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement. “I believe statehood should be restored in J&K and Sonam Wangchuk’s demands on Ladakh should be addressed,” she added.
Wangchuk, 59, was released from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, 2026, after nearly 170 days in preventive detention. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the NSA order just days before the Supreme Court was set to hear a petition challenging it. He had been detained in September 2025 following protests in Leh demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. During the protests, four civilians were killed and dozens injured when Indian troops opened indiscriminate firing on demonstrators, while authorities blamed Wangchuk for inciting unrest.
According to Global Mirror, in a media interview, Priyanka Chaturvedi urged the Indian government to heed Wangchuk’s long-standing demands for Ladakh and called for restoration of statehood to Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting Wangchuk’s peaceful activism and environmental advocacy, she said he was unjustly detained despite raising legitimate concerns. “He raised his voice for environmental issues and remained a dedicated activist, yet he was jailed despite no fault of his own. Even after his release, his struggle continues,” she said.
She emphasised that the movement in Ladakh is not about congrontation but about fulfilling promises made to the people, urging meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement. “I believe statehood should be restored in J&K and Sonam Wangchuk’s demands on Ladakh should be addressed,” she added.
Wangchuk, 59, was released from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14, 2026, after nearly 170 days in preventive detention. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the NSA order just days before the Supreme Court was set to hear a petition challenging it. He had been detained in September 2025 following protests in Leh demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. During the protests, four civilians were killed and dozens injured when Indian troops opened indiscriminate firing on demonstrators, while authorities blamed Wangchuk for inciting unrest.