He was on his fifth protest fast (Delhi Chalo Padyatra) for statehood, and inclusion of Ladakh in Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk’s release comes after govt concluded that “Ladakh’s problems” must be resolved through “engagement and dialogue”. Of course, it is welcome that govt finally recognises that crackdowns and heavy-handed responses foment trouble, while peaceful protests form the beating heart of a healthy democracy. It is good that govt realised jailing Wangchuk hurt its own cause for peace in the new UT. And it is a fact that a law like NSA, which must be used judiciously and sparingly, loses its legitimacy, when it is used to police dissent.
