Sonam Wangchuk calls NSA revocation a ‘win-win’, seeks dialogue on Ladakh demands

In his first public remarks after release, activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday described the revocation of his detention under the National Security Act as a “win-win” development (Source: Photo by ANI)

Addressing a press conference alongside his wife and HIAL co-founder Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk indicated that the Centre’s decision reflected an effort to build trust and initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Ladakh (Source: Photo by ANI)

He conveyed that while a legal victory in court had seemed certain, his objective had been broader, aiming for a resolution that benefits both the government and the people through constructive engagement (Source: Photo by ANI)

Wangchuk emphasised that protests in Ladakh had consistently focused on initiating dialogue, noting that the movement had involved marches to Delhi and hunger strikes to press for talks (Source: Photo by ANI)

He pointed out that unlike typical conflicts where governments call for dialogue, in Ladakh it was the people who had been urging the authorities to begin discussions (Source: Photo by ANI)

On his next steps, Wangchuk said he would return to Ladakh to consult with leaders of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which have been leading the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule status (Source: Photo by ANI)

He indicated that he did not intend to resume hunger strikes unless compelled, expressing hope that the government’s outreach would lead to a positive precedent through dialogue (Source: Photo by ANI)

Wangchuk had been detained on September 26 under the NSA following violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead, and was released from Jodhpur Central Jail after the Centre revoked his detention, while ongoing talks between Ladakh groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs continue over key demands (Source: Photo by ANI)