Sonam Wangchuk Alleges House Arrest, Challenges Ladakh Administration Over Movement Curbs

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he has been placed under effective house arrest in Ladakh, with around 20-25 armed police and paramilitary personnel deployed outside his residence, as protests intensify against the December 4 hill council elections.

The Ladakh administration on November 11 imposed 60-day movement restrictions on Wangchuk under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting him from organising or participating in unauthorised rallies, processions or gatherings that could disturb public order or affect the electoral process.

In a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other authorities on November 12, Wangchuk challenged the order as arbitrary, vague and disproportionate. He alleged that four masked men forcibly took him away from a protest site in Leh on November 11, prevented him from using his phone and escorted him to his residence, where police personnel subsequently instructed him to remain indoors. He demanded withdrawal of the restrictions and clarification on his freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) 's indefinite sit-in at NDS Memorial Park entered its second day on Friday, with hundreds participating despite restrictions on public gatherings. The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has also extended support to the agitation.

The groups are demanding postponement of the December 4 elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, citing severe winter conditions and seasonal migration that could affect voter participation. They have also sought the resumption of talks with the Centre, withdrawal of the new liquor policy and publication of the judicial inquiry report into the September 24, 2025 violence, in which four people were killed.

The broader agitation also seeks statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including protection under the Sixth Schedule.

Ladakh Police has defended its preventive action, citing prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer and the Leh District Magistrate to regulate public gatherings during the ongoing election process.