Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under NSA: A test for India’s commitment to democratic dissent

The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and address legitimate concerns through dialogue rather than repression. Good governance requires flexibility, empathy and a readiness to engage meaningfully with those who dissent. In this light, the preventive detention of climate activist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) marks a troubling departure from democratic norms.

Wangchuk, a globally respected figure known for his innovations and environmental activism, has been a consistent advocate for Ladakh’s democratic and ecological rights. His peaceful campaigns for a state legislature, Sixth Schedule status and sustainable development have drawn widespread support across Leh and Kargil, transcending religious, ethnic and political divisions. The ongoing protests in Ladakh are not rooted in separatism or anti-national sentiment, but in a desire for greater autonomy and representation demands that stem from genuine democratic aspirations.

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However, instead of engaging with these concerns, the government has chosen to respond with repression. The invocation of the NSA, a law designed to address threats to “public order,” against a peaceful activist like Wangchuk is both legally questionable and politically shortsighted. The Supreme Court of India, in several landmark judgments, has drawn a clear distinction between issues of “law and order” and threats to “public order.” The former deals with localized disturbances, while the latter pertains to activities that endanger community harmony and state security. There is no credible evidence that Wangchuk’s non-violent activism crosses this threshold.

By using the NSA, the government appears to have equated dissent with disloyalty, a troubling trend that undermines India’s democratic fabric. Such measures not only erode public trust but also set a dangerous precedent for the criminalization of peaceful protest. This episode echoes earlier instances where similar laws were invoked to stifle dissent, such as the detention of Kashmiri leaders following the abrogation of Article 370.

Ladakh’s unique geographical and strategic position calls for sensitive and inclusive governance, not coercive control. The region’s demand for self-governance stems from concerns about environmental degradation, cultural preservation and livelihood security issues that require deliberation, not detention. Suppressing these voices risks alienating the very communities that form India’s first line of defense along its northern borders.

The central government must recognize that dialogue, not deterrence, is the cornerstone of national unity. It should immediately revoke Wangchuk’s detention and open channels for meaningful engagement with the people of Ladakh. Addressing their demands through democratic processes will not weaken national security it will strengthen it by fostering trust and participation.

India’s democratic legacy, shaped by a long history of non-violent resistance and dialogue, should inspire today’s leadership to act with wisdom and restraint. The misuse of laws like the NSA against peaceful activists dishonors that legacy. The government must choose the path of democracy over suppression before discontent hardens into distrust and dialogue becomes impossible.

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