Leh, Nov 13: Sonam Wangchuk house arrest claims have drawn attention in Ladakh. The climate activist alleged that authorities stopped him from leaving his residence in Leh. His claim followed demands to postpone the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections scheduled for December.
Wangchuk raised the allegation in a post on X on Thursday. He said dozens of armed personnel stood outside his residence. He also challenged the administration’s reported claim that officials had only advised him to stay indoors.
The activist linked the alleged restrictions to the delay in releasing the Judicial Enquiry Commission report. The report concerns last year’s killings in Leh. He also criticised the decision to hold council elections during the winter.
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Sonam Wangchuk alleges police restrictions in Leh
Wangchuk further claimed that protests had spread across Ladakh. He also alleged that his accounts on X, Instagram and YouTube had suffered a sharp drop in reach.
In a video accompanying his post, Wangchuk explained the events of Wednesday evening. He said he and his associates had planned a sit-in protest. They wanted the administration to release the inquiry report.
According to Wangchuk, several people approached them and identified themselves as police personnel. He alleged that they wore masks and hoodies. They also told the group not to leave.
Wangchuk said he told the personnel that he was ready to face arrest. He claimed they then escorted him to his institute, which also houses his residence. There, they instructed him to remain inside the premises.
He further alleged that dozens of police personnel now surround the property. Wangchuk said peaceful demonstrations would continue until the authorities addressed their demands.
Ladakh leaders oppose winter LAHDC elections
The administration has announced elections for eight LAHDCs. Polling will take place on December 4.
Wangchuk and other regional leaders oppose the winter schedule. They argue that severe cold makes it difficult for residents to participate in the elections.
They also point out that many people, including students, leave Ladakh temporarily in December. Extreme winter conditions often force them to move outside the region.
Wangchuk made the house-arrest allegation and described the restrictions on his movement. He also referred to the administration’s position that officials had advised him to remain indoors as a prohibitory measure.
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–IANS
