Ladakh Police remove Sonam Wangchuk from protest site amid election curbs

Detailed summary

Ladakh Police removed Sonam Wangchuk from his Leh protest site under election-related prohibitory orders. His subsequent appeal spotlighted concerns over the inquiry, democratic safeguards and winter polling.

Ladakh Police on Wednesday removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site in Leh and escorted him to his residence, advising him to remain at home in view of prohibitory orders restricting public gatherings during the ongoing election process.

In a statement, the police said the preventive action was taken in compliance with orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the District Magistrate, Leh. The orders prohibit public rallies, protests and other gatherings within the limits of Leh Municipality.

"Shri Sonam Wangchuk has been advised to stay at his residence," the police said, adding that the action was taken under the prevailing prohibitory orders to prevent any potential breach of public order and maintain peace and tranquillity.

The police also urged people to comply with the restrictions in view of the Panchayat, Municipal and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections and refrain from activities that could disrupt public order.

Following the police action, Wangchuk posted a video message on X, appealing to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the people of India to intervene in the situation in Ladakh.

In his message, titled "Ladakh's SOS Appeal to the Nation", Wangchuk alleged that the judicial inquiry into the September 24 incidents in Leh was progressing slowly, more than a year after the events. He also claimed that talks on restoring democracy in the Union Territory had broken down.

Questioning the timing and conduct of the upcoming council elections, Wangchuk alleged that the administration was pushing ahead with the polls to install people of its choice to negotiate on issues concerning democracy and safeguards for Ladakh.

He also raised concerns over the proposed election schedule, pointing out that December and January are the coldest and snowiest months in the region, with temperatures falling below…

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