Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health worsens, shifted to AIIMS in Jodhpur
Jodhpur: Renowned Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, today after his health reportedly worsened while he was in judicial custody, following orders from the Supreme Court.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, 2025 under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), just two days after four civilian protesters were killed and dozens more injured in Indian forces’ firing on demonstrators in Leh, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmi;r. The protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Wangchuk is currently lodged in Central jail at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
He was brought from Central Jail, Jodhpur, to the hospital’s emergency ward today and was under medical observation. He was examined by a gastroenterologist before being returned to jail under tight security.
Hospital sources told the media that Wangchuk suffers from stomach-related ailments and has reported pain in multiple areas. He had also visited AIIMS the previous day for medical tests.
The examination came after concerns raised in the Supreme Court by Wangchuk’s wife, who filed a petition through senior advocate Kapil Sibal, citing a gradual decline in his health and the need for specialised treatment. On January 29, a bench of Justices Arvind Kumar and PB Varale directed jail authorities to ensure he was examined by a specialist from a government hospital and to submit his medical report by February 2.
Sibal told the court that Wangchuk’s stomach problems were allegedly linked to the quality of drinking water in jail and requested weekly medical check-ups and permission for clean water supplied by his family.
AIIMS sources said Saturday’s assessment focused on his gastrointestinal complaints and other reported discomforts. After the check-up, Wangchuk was returned to the Jodhpur jail, where he continues to remain in judicial custody.
