SRINAGAR: The Ladakh administration has restricted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s movement in Leh for 60 days, citing concerns over public order and the peaceful conduct of the ongoing electoral process.
An order issued by the Office of the Additional District Magistrate, Leh, on Wednesday, said the restrictions had been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a report submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, on November 11.
According to the order, the police had recommended 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.
The administration said there was apprehension that his future programmes, demonstrations, hunger strikes and public gatherings could again disturb public peace and tranquillity. It also expressed concern that such activities could affect the conduct of elections to the Municipal Committee, Panchayats and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.
Under the restrictions, Wangchuk has been directed 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, disturb tranquillity or obstruct the ongoing electoral process in Leh district.
The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn or modified earlier in accordance with the law.
The administration also referred to the Model Code of Conduct, which is already in force in the district following directions from the State Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer, Ladakh.
The restrictions come amid growing opposition from Ladakhi political and social leaders, including Wangchuk, to the administration’s decision to hold municipal and hill council elections during the winter months.
On Wednesday, Wangchuk, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa, Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook and leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and defer the elections.
Describing their appeal as an “SOS call from Ladakh”, the leaders argued that severe winter conditions and the absence of a significant section of the population from the Union Territory could adversely affect voter participation.
Questioning the decision to hold elections during the harsh winter, Wangchuk said temperatures in parts of Ladakh could fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius, while snowfall was expected in December.
“Ladakh is known as the world’s coldest inhabited place. The weather forecast for Dec indicates snowfall. How will elections be conducted in such conditions? Half of the population is outside Ladakh, while students are already studying in different cities. When Leh, Kargil and other areas are nearly empty, why are you holding elections?” he said.
The leaders have maintained that May or June would be a more suitable period for holding the elections to ensure wider public participation.
Haneefa said he had raised concerns over the proposed winter elections with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, while Lakrook described holding elections during peak winter as unheard of in the region.
The municipal elections are scheduled for November 23, while the LAHDC election in Kargil is scheduled for December 4.
