Sonam Wangchuk placed under 60-day restriction amid hill council elections in Ladakh

Protests have intensified against the decision to hold the hill council elections in Ladakh during freezing cold. According to a report by Sandesh, the administration has imposed a 60-day movement restriction on noted climate activist and Leh Apex Body (LAB) member Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk has claimed that he has been placed under house arrest and armed security personnel have been deployed around his house. On Wednesday night, police removed him from the protest site at NDS Memorial Park and advised him to stay home.

The administration has issued a notice stating that Sonam Wangchuk's protests could pose a threat to peace in the Union Territory. Posting on the social media platform 'X', Wangchuk stated that he is under house arrest. He has raised questions regarding the delay in the judicial inquiry report and the timing of the council elections. Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body are demanding the postponement of the Leh Hill Council elections scheduled for 4 December. For this, they have also appealed to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Wangchuk has warned that if the elections are not postponed, the agitation will remain peaceful but become more intense.

Wangchuk stated that December and January are the coldest months in Ladakh, when temperatures drop below -30°C. During this period, nearly half the population leaves Ladakh for education, holidays, and pilgrimage. The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy snowfall throughout the week. The Ladakh Police stated that the action against Sonam Wangchuk was taken in accordance with orders to regulate public rallies and protests during the election process. DGP Anand Jain confirmed on 'X' that, in accordance with the orders issued by the CEO of Ladakh and the District Magistrate of Leh, Wangchuk was advised to stay at his residence.

Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known educational reformer and environmental activist. He has long played an active role on education and environmental issues in the hilly regions of Ladakh. As a member of the Leh Apex Body, he has continuously raised his voice on social and political issues of Ladakh.