Leh, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has claimed that he has been placed under house arrest in Leh, alleging that armed police personnel have been deployed outside his residence after he and other regional representatives opposed the scheduling of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in December.
In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, Wangchuk said dozens of armed guards had surrounded his residence, disputing the administration’s position that he had merely been advised to remain indoors.
He linked the alleged restrictions to his demand for the release of the Judicial Enquiry Commission report into last year’s killings during protests in Leh and his opposition to what he described as an attempt to push through council elections during the harsh winter.
In a video message accompanying his post, Wangchuk alleged that personnel identifying themselves as policemen approached him and his associates on Wednesday evening, when they were planning a protest demonstration.
He claimed the personnel were wearing masks and hoodies and instructed him not to leave the premises. Wangchuk said that after he expressed his willingness to be arrested, he was escorted to his institute, where his residence is also located, and told to remain there.
He further alleged that dozens of police personnel had been deployed around the premises to enforce the restrictions.
Wangchuk said peaceful demonstrations had already taken place and that further protests would continue until the group’s demands were addressed. He also claimed that the reach of his accounts on X, Instagram and YouTube had been significantly restricted.
The controversy centres on the administration’s notification of elections for eight LAHDCs, with polling scheduled for December 4.
Wangchuk and other local leaders have opposed the winter schedule, arguing that severe cold forces many residents, including students, to leave Ladakh temporarily during December, potentially affecting voter participation.
The activist’s allegations regarding his house arrest and the deployment of security personnel have not been independently established in the information available.
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