Sonam Wangchuk. File | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently detained in Jodhpur Central Jail, said on Thursday (March 12, 2026) through one of her social media accounts that she has not backed down from activism, but it will require “clarity, unity and honest dialogue”.
The statement comes in the backdrop of his wife Gitanjali’s interview. J Angmo with The Hindu on March 9, where she noted that Mr. Wangchuk will not continue on the path of agitation after he is released from National Security Act (NSA) custody, but will continue to be part of the movement that demands constitutional guarantees for Ladakh through discussion and dialogue. Ms. Angmo is also the co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) in Ladakh.
On Thursday (March 12, 2026), Mr. Wangchuk wrote on X: “I have not resigned from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. However, activism must serve a greater purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity and honest dialogue. Our long-term struggle has always been to protect Ladakh and its long-term protection and preservation!!”
Asked by The Hindu whether Mr Wangchuk would resume protests once he is released from custody, Ms Angmo said: “Who wants to sit on a fast for 15-30 days every time? September 24 (2025) was a black day. Instead of agitation and protests, once he is released, we will seek solutions through dialogue and cooperation.”
On 24 September 2025, Mr Wangchuk and 15 others were on the 15th day of a 35-day hunger strike when violence erupted in Leh city. At least four people, including a Kargil war veteran, were killed in police firing and 160 others were injured. It was his fifth hunger strike in the past five years to draw the government’s attention to the demands of constitutional guarantees for the region.
His detention has been challenged in India’s Supreme Court by his wife, and the court is due to hear the case again next week.
Published – 12 March 2026 20:19 IST
