NEW DELHI: 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 electoral process.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.The order said there was apprehension that Wangchuk’s future programmes, demonstrations, hunger strikes and public gatherings could again disturb public peace and tranquillity. It also cited the possibility of such activities affecting elections to the Municipal Committee, Panchayats and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.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, disturb tranquillity or obstruct the ongoing electoral process in Leh district.The restrictions will take immediate effect and remain in force for 60 days, unless withdrawn or modified earlier in accordance with the law. The order also noted that the Model Code of Conduct is already in force in the district following directions from the State Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer, Ladakh.
Opposition to poll schedule
The order comes amid opposition from Ladakhi leaders, including Wangchuk, to the administration’s decision to hold municipal and hill council elections during the winter months.On Wednesday, Wangchuk, along with Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa, Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) leaders, appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to intervene and defer the polls.Calling it 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 affect voter participation.Wangchuk questioned the decision to hold elections when temperatures in parts of Ladakh can fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius and snowfall is expected in December. He also claimed that many residents, including students, are outside the region.
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“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 argued that May or June would be a more suitable time for the polls to ensure wider participation. Haneefa said he had raised concerns about winter elections with the Ladakh lieutenant governor, while Lakrook described holding elections during peak winter as unheard of in the region.The municipal polls are scheduled for November 23, while the LAHDC election in Kargil is scheduled for December 4.