After the detention of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk was canceled with immediate effect, reactions from leaders are coming continuously. Former Rajasthan CM and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has expressed happiness over the release of Sonam Wangchuk. He also attacked BJP and asked who will give account of the 170 days of his detention? Why was he arrested?
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot wrote on social media platform What kind of irony is this? Sonam Wangchuk, who was once a supporter of PM Modi’s policies, when she raised her voice for the rights of Ladakh and the environment, was booked under stringent sections like NSA (National Security Act) and sent to Jodhpur jail.
The news of the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk is pleasant, but this entire episode raises serious questions on the functioning of the Modi government at the Centre.
What kind of irony is this? Sonam Wangchuk, who was once a supporter of Prime Minister Modi’s policies, when she raised her voice for the rights and environment of Ladakh,…
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) March 14, 2026
Why was Sonam Wangchuk arrested- Gehlot
He further wrote, “The person who was put behind bars a few months ago on the grounds of being a ‘threat to the security of the country’ was suddenly released today, that is, no evidence was found against him.” In such a situation, who will account for the 170 days of his detention? Why was he arrested?
‘Will national security be decided by BJP’s profit and loss?’
Ashok Gehlot asked, “Will the definition of national security now be decided by the political gains and losses of BJP?” Such ‘convenient use’ of laws with dictatorial tendencies is not only condemnable, but is also a deep blow to the credibility of our democratic institutions. The people of the country are seeing this double standards.
When was Wangchuk detained?
There is a debate going on at the political and social level across the country regarding the detention of Sonam Wangchuk and now her release. While the leaders of the opposition parties are calling it a mistake of the government, the central government believes that this step was taken to maintain law and order. It is noteworthy that there were violent protests in Leh on 24 September 2025. Two days after this, on 26 September 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained.