Ladakh election row: Sonam Wangchuk removed from protest site, escorted to residence by police

File photo of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. | Photo credit: PTI

Ladakh police on Wednesday (11 November 2026) removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site and escorted him to his residence, advising him to stay indoors, an official said.

The action comes barely a few hours after Mr. Wangchuk, along with leaders of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), expressed displeasure over the conduct of the Upper House elections on December 4, citing harsh winter conditions and large-scale seasonal migration.

In a public notice, the police said the preventive action against Mr. Wangchuk was taken in accordance with the regulations governing public gatherings, protests and other public gatherings within Leh city amid the ongoing election exercise.

“Sonam Wangchuk has been advised to remain at her residence in view of the ban issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh and the District Magistrate, Leh,” Ladakh Director General of Police Anand Jain said in a post on X.

Ahead of the elections to the eight Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Ladakh is also gearing up for municipal and panchayat elections on November 21.

LAB and KDA, which have been agitating in support of various demands including constitutional guarantees and statehood and engaging in dialogue with the Centre, have appealed to the President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to help postpone the LAHDC elections.

Later, Mr Wangchuk led a protest in Leh on Wednesday to press for the postponement of the LAHDC elections.

The police said the action against Mr Wangchuk was taken in exercise of the powers vested in the relevant authority under the existing bans to prevent any possible breach of public order and to maintain peace and tranquility.

“The general public is advised to strictly observe prohibitory orders in view of panchayat, municipal and LAHDC elections in Ladakh and refrain from any activity that may disturb public peace and order,” the police said.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 14:21 IST