Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Sonam Wangchuk's Arrest, Calls for Support
Synopsis
Akhilesh Yadav, President of the Samajwadi Party, condemned the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, asserting he should have never been jailed. Following the revocation of Wangchuk's detention by the Centre, Yadav emphasized the need for dialogue over conflict.
Key Takeaways
Akhilesh Yadav criticized the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk .
Wangchuk's detention was revoked by the Centre.
The need for dialogue over imprisonment was emphasized.
Political leaders are calling for accountability and support for activism.
The unrest in Ladakh raises questions about governmental responses to protests.
Mumbai, March 14 (NationPress) The President of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, expressed on Saturday that the climate activist and engineer from Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, ought not to have been incarcerated in the first instance, following the Centre's decision to lift his detention.
Wangchuk was released from the Jodhpur Central Jail later that day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) annulled his National Security Act (NSA) detention, emphasizing that all disputes could be amicably settled through dialogue and engagement.
During a press conference in Mumbai, the SP Chief remarked, "The pressing question is, why was he (Sonam Wangchuk) imprisoned? He should have never faced jail time. His protests should have garnered backing from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially since the party had previously assured that Ladakh would be granted statehood and all associated powers."
He accused the BJP of betraying Wangchuk, stating, "The BJP not only deceived the people of Ladakh but also failed in their duty towards Wangchuk by imprisoning him."
The decision to release Sonam Wangchuk was positively received by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah.
In a statement to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah asserted, "His (Sonam Wangchuk's) arrest should never have occurred; it was fundamentally wrong."
The 58-year-old Wangchuk had been detained at the Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan since September 26, 2025, nearly six months following violent protests in Ladakh's main city, Leh, which resulted in at least four fatalities and over 160 injuries.
This recent decision coincided with the Supreme Court hearing a habeas corpus petition contesting Wangchuk's detention.
The Union government had consistently maintained that the Ladakh-based climate activist "instigated" unrest in the region.
However, on Saturday, the Union government stated that releasing Wangchuk was necessary to restore peace and terminate the "atmosphere of bandhs and protests" in Ladakh.
Point of View
A prominent climate activist, raises questions about governmental accountability and the treatment of dissenting voices in India. Given the recent developments, it is crucial to monitor how this will affect future engagements in Ladakh.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sonam Wangchuk arrested?
Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA), with allegations that he instigated unrest during protests in Ladakh.
What was Akhilesh Yadav's stance on Wangchuk's arrest?
Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the arrest, stating that Wangchuk should never have been jailed and that his protests deserved support.
What was the reaction from other political leaders?
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the arrest, asserting that it was fundamentally wrong.
What led to the revocation of Wangchuk's detention?
The Union government decided to revoke Wangchuk's detention to restore peace and end the ongoing protests in Ladakh.
How long was Wangchuk in jail?
Sonam Wangchuk was held at Jodhpur Central Jail for nearly six months, having been detained since September 26, 2025.
