Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Claims House Arrest Amid Election Protests

Ladakh officials prohibited all public protests and rallies in Leh and Kargil on Wednesday, citing the Model Code of Conduct as the region prepares for upcoming local body elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer issued the order to maintain public order, while climate activist Sonam Wangchuk alleged that police subsequently placed him under house arrest at his residence.

Wangchuk claimed that approximately 20 to 25 armed police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around his home, effectively preventing him from leaving to participate in planned demonstrations.

The restrictions arrive as civil society groups, including the Leh Apex Body, push for the postponement of hill council elections and the release of a judicial inquiry report.

“I am under house arrest,” said Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent member of the Leh Apex Body, in a video message shared on his social media accounts.

Wangchuk stated that he was removed from a protest site at NDS Memorial Park on Wednesday evening by police who served him a copy of a magistrate's order.

He alleged that officers forcefully placed him in a vehicle and instructed him to remain at his residence, though the order did not explicitly mention house arrest.

Ladakh Police defended the action, stating it complied with prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer and the District Magistrate to regulate public gatherings during the election.

“The Model Code requires maintenance of an atmosphere conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections,” said the order issued by the Chief Electoral Officer.

Wangchuk challenged the administration's justification, arguing that holding elections during winter is “unacceptable” because many residents are away from the region during that time.

He also criticized the delay in releasing the judicial inquiry commission report regarding violence that occurred on September 24, 2025, which resulted in four deaths.

The activist has requested written clarification from the administration regarding the legal basis for his confinement and the specific scope of the movement restrictions imposed upon him.

Wangchuk said he intends to challenge the restrictions through legal forums, including the Magistrate, High Court and Supreme Court, to contest his current confinement.