Sonam Wangchuk alleges house arrest in Leh as Ladakh protests demand postponement of winter council polls

Leh: Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he is under house arrest in Leh, amid growing opposition to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections scheduled for December 4. He and other regional representatives have demanded that the polls be postponed, arguing that the harsh winter makes meaningful participation difficult.

In a post on X, Wangchuk said dozens of armed personnel had been deployed around his residence, while authorities publicly described the measure as advice to remain indoors. He said he was being restricted after raising questions about the delay in releasing the Judicial Enquiry Commission report into last year’s firing in Leh and the timing of the council elections.

Wangchuk said that he and his associates were preparing for a dharna when personnel, whom he described as wearing masks and hoodies, told them not to leave. He said he was then escorted to his institute, where he lives, and instructed not to leave the premises.

“I AM UNDER HOUSE ARREST,” Wangchuk wrote, adding that the authorities’ version—that he had been “advised to stay at home”—did not match the heavy security presence around his residence. He also alleged that the reach of his X, Instagram and YouTube accounts had been sharply reduced.

Ladakh Police said Wangchuk was removed from a protest site on Wednesday and escorted to his residence, where he was advised to remain indoors in view of prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh, and the District Magistrate, Leh.

The administration has also imposed 60-day restrictions on Wangchuk under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order bars him from organising or participating in unauthorised rallies, processions or public gatherings, and from conduct that could disturb public order or obstruct the electoral process in Leh district.

Elections to eight LAHDCs are scheduled for December 4, with 100 councillors to be elected. Municipal and panchayat elections are also due on November 21.

Wangchuk and several local organisations contend that holding the council elections in mid-winter is unfair because many residents, including students, temporarily move out of Ladakh during the coldest months. They have also raised objections to the proposed electoral constituencies and the structure of the hill councils.

Despite the restrictions, Wangchuk said peaceful dharnas would continue, with protesters pressing for postponement of the polls and release of the inquiry report.

(Inputs from IANS)