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Sonam Wangchuk alleges house arrest after Leh imposes 60-day restrictions on his movement amid the Model Code of Conduct for upcoming Ladakh elections.
A file photo of Sonam Wangchuk (PTI)
The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Leh has imposed preventive restrictions on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for a period of 60 days, citing concerns over public order and the ongoing electoral process in the district.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricts Wangchuk’s movement and prohibits him from participating in activities that could disturb public peace or obstruct the ongoing electoral process.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk on Thursday alleged that he had been placed under house arrest, claiming that dozens of armed guards had surrounded his residence.
In a post on X, the climate activist said, “I am under house arrest”, adding that the government’s version was that he had merely been “advised to stay at home”.
Questioning the administration’s action, Wangchuk said he was being restricted for raising questions about the delay in the Judicial Enquiry Commission report into last year’s killings in Leh and the upcoming council elections.
“All for asking uncomfortable questions like… why is the Judicial Enquiry Commission Report (of last year’s killings in Leh) is delayed & a phoney Council election is foisted on people with rocket speed in mid-winter,” (sic), he wrote.
Claiming that the entire region was witnessing protests, he added, “The whole of Ladakh is in protest.”
At A Glance
The Leh administration has imposed preventive restrictions on Sonam Wangchuk for 60 days under Section 163 of BNSS.
Wangchuk alleges he is under house arrest, claiming dozens of armed guards have surrounded his residence.
The activist has questioned the delay in the Judicial Enquiry Commission report into last year’s killings in Leh.
Wangchuk also alleged that his social media reach had been drastically curtailed across platforms.
“My X, Instagram & YouTube reach has been drastically suppressed in the world’s largest democracy,” he said, appealing to people to share his message.
WHY HAS LEH ADMINISTRATION IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON WANGCHUK?
According to the administration’s order, the restrictions have been imposed in view of concerns over public order and the ongoing electoral process.
It cited Wangchuk’s past activities, previous antecedents and alleged attempts to mobilise and instigate the public, claiming these had affected public order in the district.
The 60-day restrictions also come amid the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming local elections in Ladakh. The MCC came into force on October 23 and will remain in effect until the completion of the election process.
I AM UNDER HOUSE ARRESTDozens of armed guards surround my house while the government version says ‘I have been advised to stay at home’. All for asking uncomfortable questions like… why is the Judicial Enquiry Commission Report (of last year’s killings in Leh) is delayed & a phoney Council election is foisted on people with rocket speed in mid winter.Whole of Ladakh is in protest.My X, Instagram & YouTube reach have been drastically suppressed in the world’s largest democracy. Please help share this message…— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) November 12, 2026
LADAKH CEO BANS POLITICAL PROTESTS, DHARNAS IN LEH AND KARGIL
Separately, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Ladakh on Wednesday prohibited political dharnas, protests, rallies and similar collective activities within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the MCC period.
According to news agency PTI, CEO Rahul Sharma issued the order under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003.
The order prohibits any political party, candidate, worker, supporter or other person from organising or participating in a dharna, protest, demonstration, sit-in, hunger strike, rally or similar collective political activity within the municipal limits of the Municipal Committees of Leh and Kargil if it is likely to affect the peaceful conduct of elections.
The CEO said the restrictions were aimed at preventing activities that could intimidate voters, disturb public order or vitiate the atmosphere necessary for free and fair elections.
The order further directed political parties, candidates and their agents to ensure that no activity was undertaken by any individual or organisation that could intimidate, coerce or unduly influence voters.
The District Election Officers (Deputy Commissioners) of Leh and Kargil, along with police authorities, have been directed to ensure strict compliance. Any violation would be dealt with firmly under the relevant laws and provisions of the MCC, the order stated.
The CEO also directed the district election officers to publicise the restrictions through print and electronic media and display copies at prominent public places, including municipal committee offices and the notice boards of the Deputy Commissioners.
WHEN ARE LADAKH LOCAL AND COUNCIL ELECTIONS SCHEDULED?
Panchayat and municipal elections in Ladakh are scheduled for November 11, while elections to the eight Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) are scheduled for December 4.
The MCC, which came into force on October 23, will remain in force until the completion of the election process.
The CEO said the restrictions on political activities had been imposed to maintain the purity of the electoral process and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Additional District Magistrate of Leh imposed 60-day preventive restrictions on Sonam Wangchuk under Section 163 of the BNSS, citing concerns over public order, his past activities, and the ongoing electoral process.
Ask News18About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
November 12, 2026, 10:58 PM IST
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