Sonam Wangchuk Claims House Arrest, Raises Concerns Over Ladakh's Winter Poll Schedule

Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he has been placed under house arrest in Leh, claiming that a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel outside his residence has restricted his movement. The development comes amid growing protests against the decision to hold Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections on December 4. Wangchuk raised the issue in a social media post on November 12, questioning the restrictions imposed on him and alleging that he was being prevented from participating in peaceful demonstrations.

The activist has also challenged the timing of the upcoming elections, arguing that conducting polls during the harsh winter months could create difficulties for voters across the Union Territory. According to Wangchuk, security personnel were deployed outside his residence after he participated in protests against the election schedule. He has questioned the administration's actions and indicated that he may approach the courts to challenge the restrictions.

The Ladakh Police, however, have maintained that the action was preventive and taken in accordance with prohibitory orders issued by the authorities. Officials said Wangchuk was escorted back to his residence after being removed from a protest location. An order issued by the Additional District Magistrate of Leh under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, imposes restrictions on Wangchuk's movement for 60 days. The order prohibits him from organising or participating in unauthorised rallies, processions and public gatherings, citing concerns over public order and the electoral process.

Wangchuk has also demanded the release of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry report into the September 24, 2025, violence in Leh, in which four people were killed during protests over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The December 4 LAHDC election schedule has drawn criticism from several local organisations, which argue that extreme winter conditions could affect voter participation. Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and difficult road connectivity are among the concerns raised by opponents of the schedule. Wangchuk and other campaigners believe that holding elections during the peak winter season could make it difficult for residents, particularly those living in remote areas, to reach polling stations.

The administration has defended the schedule, maintaining that timely elections are necessary to establish elected councils and ensure that they can function effectively. Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has said that arrangements, including heaters at polling stations and separate queues for elderly voters, will be made to facilitate voting.

The elections will cover 100 constituencies across the eight hill councils, with 36 seats reserved for women. Municipal and panchayat elections are also scheduled to take place on November 21. The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of continuing demands for statehood, inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and safeguards for local land, employment and cultural rights.

The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have been among the prominent groups raising these demands since Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in 2019. With Wangchuk alleging restrictions on his movement and local organisations continuing to question the winter election schedule, the political situation in Ladakh remains tense ahead of the upcoming polls.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.