Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Wangchuk Finds Hope in Jail
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, has been in jail for over 110 days.
He was arrested after a protest for Ladakh's rights.
In jail, he sleeps on blankets on the floor and reads many books.
He does yoga and meditation and is writing a book about his experiences.
His wife brings him snacks and books, but he can't have certain things like sun-dried apricots.
He is optimistic and makes the best of his situation, even studying ants to learn about teamwork.
The jail staff is nice to him, and he talks to them about parenting and education.
Sonam Wangchuk has been in Jodhpur jail for over 110 days after a 15-day fast for Ladakh's rights.
He sleeps on blankets on the floor and reads books, with limited communication and no devices allowed.
Wangchuk practices Vipassana, yoga, and meditation and is writing a book titled 'Forever Positive'.
His wife brings him snacks and books, but certain items like sun-dried apricots are not allowed.
He interacts with jail staff, who ask him for parenting and educational advice, and he remains optimistic.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and educator
- What
- Wangchuk is imprisoned in Jodhpur jail, focusing on reading and personal growth
- When
- Wangchuk has been in jail for over 110 days, arrested on September 26
- Where
- Jodhpur jail
- Why
- Wangchuk was arrested after a 15-day fast over demands for the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh
Government
Activists
Arrest and Detention
Government
The government maintains that Wangchuk's arrest and detention are lawful and necessary for maintaining public order.
Activists
Activists argue that Wangchuk's arrest is politically motivated and violates his rights to protest and free speech.
- Name
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Occupation
- Climate activist and educator
- Location
- Jodhpur jail
- Duration in Jail
- Over 110 days
- Reason for Arrest
- 15-day fast over demands for Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh
- Activities in Jail
- Reading, Vipassana, yoga, meditation, writing a book
- Book Title
- Forever Positive
- Restrictions
- No devices, limited communication, no sun-dried apricots
Sources
In solitary jail cell, Wangchuk sleeps on blankets; in company of books: wife Gitanjali Angmo
Govt seeking dates as no merit in NSA case against Sonam Wangchuk, says wife Gitanjali Angmo
In solitary confinement, Wangchuk finds hope in ants
‘Procedural lapses, stale evidence’: 114 days later, Sonam Wangchuk still in jail as family alleges ‘delay tactics’
