Ladakh Police Detain Sonam Wangchuk Over Election Protests
Ladakh Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site in Leh to enforce prohibitory orders ahead of regional elections.
The Ladakh Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site in Leh on Wednesday, escorting him to his residence to maintain public order. Wangchuk, joined by leaders from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, was protesting the December 4 Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections. The protesters argue that seasonal migration and harsh winter weather make the scheduled date unsuitable for voting.
Law enforcement officials stated the preventive action followed prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate of Leh and the Chief Electoral Officer of UT Ladakh. These measures aim to ensure peace during an election cycle that includes Municipal and Panchayat elections on November 21.
The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance continue a broader agitation for constitutional safeguards and statehood. As part of this effort, the groups have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of India to defer the LAHDC elections.
