The Ladakh administration has imposed restrictions on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s movement in Leh for 60 days, citing concerns over public order and the peaceful conduct of the ongoing local elections.
An order issued by the office of the Additional District Magistrate, Leh, on Wednesday said the restrictions were based on a report submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, on November 11. The police officer had sought preventive measures against Wangchuk, alleging that his activities and previous conduct, including attempts to “mobilise and instigate” the public, had affected public order in the district before.
The order said there was apprehension that Wangchuk’s future programmes, demonstrations, hunger strikes and public gatherings could again disturb public peace and tranquillity.
01. What the order says
Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the administration directed Wangchuk not to engage in activities or organise or participate in any unauthorised rally, procession or public gathering that could lead to a breach of public peace or obstruct the ongoing electoral process in Leh district.
The restrictions came into force with immediate effect and will remain in place for 60 days, unless withdrawn or modified earlier. The order also noted that the Model Code of Conduct is already in force in the district.
02. Protests banned, Wangchuk removed from site
On Wednesday night, Ladakh Police said they had taken “preventive” action and removed Wangchuk from the NDS Memorial Park protest site in Leh.
The move comes amid opposition in Ladakh to the winter election schedule. Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma had issued a separate order on Wednesday prohibiting political parties, candidates and their supporters from holding dharnas, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil while the Model Code of Conduct remains in force. Municipal and panchayat polls are scheduled later this month, while elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils are set for December 4.
Wangchuk has urged the Centre to intervene. In a post on X on Wednesday, he shared a video in which leaders from Leh and Kargil, including Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Haneefa, appealed to the President, the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha to step in, warning of fresh agitation if their concerns were ignored.
Kargil Democratic Alliance co-chairman Sajjad Kargili shared the restriction order on X, writing: “State of democracy in Ladakh.”
