Leh: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he has been placed under house arrest, claiming that around 20 to 25 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed outside his residence in Ladakh following his removal from a protest site.
The allegation came a day after police escorted Wangchuk from the protest location to his residence. In a video message shared on social media on Thursday night, he claimed that security personnel, vehicles and tents had been stationed outside his house since Wednesday evening, effectively restricting his movement.
Wangchuk questioned the authorities’ explanation that he had only been advised to remain indoors, arguing that the heavy security deployment amounted to house arrest. He said he would challenge the restrictions before the appropriate legal authorities, including the Magistrate, High Court and Supreme Court.
The activist said the restrictions were imposed as he and other members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) were preparing for a sit-in protest over several demands concerning Ladakh.
One of the major issues is the scheduling of the Autonomous Hill Development Council elections for December 4. Wangchuk described holding the elections during winter as unacceptable, arguing that a significant section of Ladakh’s population would be outside the region during that period.
He also alleged that the Hill Councils had been weakened and deprived of meaningful administrative powers, affecting their ability to function effectively.
Another key demand raised by the protesters is the release of the Commission of Inquiry report into the September 24 incident last year. Wangchuk alleged that the findings were being withheld and the matter was being suppressed.
He maintained that demonstrations had already taken place across Ladakh and would continue until the demands were addressed. He also appealed to people across the country to support the region’s struggle.
Meanwhile, Ladakh Police defended its preventive action, stating that it was carried out in accordance with prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of Ladakh and the District Magistrate of Leh. The restrictions regulate public rallies, protests and gatherings within Leh Municipality during the ongoing election process.
