Not stepped away from activism, it requires clarity and sincere dialogue: Sonam Wangchuk

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is presently detained at the Jodhpur Central jail, conveyed through one of his social media accounts on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that he has not stepped away from activism but it will require “clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue”.

The statement comes in the backdrop of an interview of his wife Gitanjali. J Angmo with The Hindu on March 9 where she remarked that Mr. Wangchuk will not pursue the path of agitation after he is released from detention under the National Security Act (NSA) but will continue to be part of the movement to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through discussion and dialogue. Ms Angmo is also the co-founder of Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) in Ladakh.

On Thursday (March 12, 2026), Mr. Wangchuk posted on X: “I have not stepped away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. But activism must serve a larger purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue. Our struggle has always been for Ladakh’s protection, dignity, and long-term well-being and shall continue to be!!”

On being asked by The Hindu, if Mr. Wangchuk would resume protests once he is released from detention, 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 look for a solution through dialogue and collaboration. We will make Ladakh a role model.”

On September 24, 2025, Mr. Wangchuk and 15 others were on the 15^th day of their 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. This was his fifth hunger strike in the past five years to draw the government’s attention to the demands of constitutional safeguards for the region.

His detention has been challenged in the Supreme Court of India by his wife and the court is expected to again hear the case next week.