New Delhi

Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh-based climate activist, on Tuesday described his nearly six-month detention in Jodhpur Central Jail as a “huge horror story,” while expressing hope for constructive dialogue with the government following his release.

Wangchuk was released after the government revoked his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference, he recounted the circumstances of his arrest and the difficulties faced by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, in seeking legal recourse.

“Right from how abruptly I was taken from my home and put into jail without even the opportunity to call my family or lawyers for days… it was a huge horror story,” he said.

He also alleged that his wife faced restrictions and surveillance while trying to approach courts and media, describing the situation as resembling a “cat and mouse chase” in Delhi.

Despite the ordeal, Wangchuk said he was treated fairly by jail authorities and appreciated their conduct within institutional constraints.

He welcomed the government’s move to initiate dialogue, calling it a potential “win-win” for Ladakh, the environment, and the authorities.

“A win would not be enough for me. I was always looking for a win-win—for Ladakh, for the Himalayas, and for the causes we represent,” he said.

Wangchuk emphasised that his movement has consistently demanded dialogue, noting that protests and campaigns—including marches from Leh—were aimed at initiating discussions with the government.

He expressed hope that the ongoing engagement would lead to meaningful outcomes, including guidance on the future use of laws like the National Security Act.

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The activist had been taken into custody on September 26, 2025, following protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.