LAHDC Poll Row: Ladakh Police Remove Sonam Wangchuk From Protest Site, Escort Him Home

Ladakh Police on Wednesday removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site in Leh and escorted him to his residence, advising him to remain indoors in view of prohibitory orders imposed during the ongoing election process.

The action came hours after Wangchuk, along with leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), expressed strong opposition to the decision to hold Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections on December 4.

The groups have sought postponement of the polls, citing harsh winter conditions and large-scale seasonal migration, which they said could affect voter participation.

In a public statement, Ladakh Police said the preventive action was taken in accordance with orders regulating public rallies, protests and gatherings within Leh Municipality.

Ladakh Director General of Police Anand Jain said Wangchuk had been advised to stay at his residence in view of prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of the Union Territory and the District Magistrate, Leh.

Police said the action was taken under the powers vested in the competent authorities to prevent any potential breach of public order and maintain peace and tranquillity during the elections.

The LAB and KDA, which have been spearheading an agitation seeking statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, also appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and help defer the LAHDC elections.

Ladakh is scheduled to hold Municipal and Panchayat elections on November 21, ahead of the hill council polls on December 4.