‘Dozens of armed guards surround my house’: Sonam Wangchuk under 60-day house arrest
The Leh administration has barred the climate activist from participating in rallies and processions as opposition to the December 4 hill council polls continues
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been placed under house arrest for 60 days in Leh and barred from taking part in rallies or processions. The order comes after his removal from a protest site over opposition to the December 4 hill council elections.
Citing a police report and a request from the Leh police chief, the Leh Additional District Magistrate invoked Section 163 of the BNSS.
"This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force for a period of 60 days," stated the order as quoted by NDTV.
What Wangchuk says
Before the order, Wangchuk said dozens of police personnel had gathered outside his house.
"I am under house arrest. Dozens of armed guards surround my house while the government version says 'I have been advised to stay at home'. All for asking uncomfortable questions like... why is the Judicial Enquiry Commission Report (of last year's killings in Leh) is delayed and a phoney council election foisted on people with rocket speed in mid winter? Whole of Ladakh is in protest. My X, Instagram & YouTube reach have been drastically suppressed in the world's largest democracy. Please help share this message,'' he said in a post on X.
Opposition to winter polling continues
Wangchuk and other local leaders oppose winter polling, saying cold weather and seasonal migration could keep voters away.
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The December 4 election will be Ladakh's first election since it became a Union Territory in 2019. Eight Autonomous Hill Development Councils will contest 100 constituencies, including 36 seats reserved for women.
Protests in Leh and Kargil continue, with groups demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.
Administration defends election schedule
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the number of constituencies had increased from 26 each in the former Leh and Kargil districts to 50 each after eight districts were created.
Kundra defended winter polling and said stations will have heaters and separate queues for elderly voters, while Deputy Commissioners have been asked to arrange facilities.
Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk backs CJP’s Oct 2 protest: ‘Anything to improve accountability’
"Schools in Ladakh generally remain open until December 15 or 16. If children can attend schools during this period, there should be no difficulty for adults in coming out to vote," Kundra said.
He said the councils needed to be formed soon to prepare budgets for the next financial year during January, February and March.