Sonam Wangchuk Alleges House Arrest in Ladakh Amid Protest Against Winter Elections; Writes to Amit Shah
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he has been placed under house arrest in Ladakh amid ongoing protests against the decision to hold the Hill Council elections during the harsh winter season. Wangchuk has also claimed that a large number of armed security personnel have been deployed around his residence. He has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising concerns over the restrictions allegedly imposed on him.
In a post on social media on Friday, Wangchuk said that he was effectively being prevented from leaving his residence. According to his account, several police personnel stopped him when he attempted to step out of his house on Friday. He was reportedly told that he needed to remain indoors for security reasons.
Wangchuk alleged that a large contingent of armed police personnel and security forces had been deployed around his residence. Although the authorities cited security concerns as the reason for asking him to remain indoors, he described the situation as a form of house arrest.
The activist believes that the restrictions were imposed after he raised questions over the delay in publishing the judicial inquiry report into the violence that took place in Ladakh on September 24, 2025, in which four local residents were killed. He also questioned the decision to push ahead with the election process in Ladakh during the harsh winter months.
The Hill Council elections in Ladakh have been scheduled for December 8. However, several political and social organisations have opposed holding the elections during the peak winter season, arguing that extreme weather conditions could make it difficult for residents to reach polling stations and exercise their voting rights.
These organisations have demanded that the elections be postponed until the winter season is over and weather conditions become more favourable.
Protests have been continuing across different parts of Ladakh over the issue. On November 8, a complete shutdown was observed in Kargil following demonstrations. On Thursday, protesters also staged sit-in demonstrations at several locations across Ladakh.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB), led by Sonam Wangchuk, has also joined the protest movement, raising concerns over the timing of the elections and other pending demands.
Following Thursday’s protest, police reportedly took Wangchuk from the protest site to his residence. However, he alleged that he has not been allowed to leave his house since then.
According to the police, Wangchuk was advised to remain indoors in the interest of maintaining law and order, following directions from the Deputy Commissioner of Leh and Ladakh’s Chief Electoral Officer.
The authorities have cited security and law-and-order considerations, while Wangchuk has described the restrictions as an attempt to confine him to his residence.
Wangchuk has reportedly written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra and senior police officials, raising the issue of his alleged house arrest.
The development comes amid continuing tensions in Ladakh over the proposed election schedule, demands for the publication of the judicial inquiry report into the September 24, 2025, violence and the ongoing protests led by the Leh Apex Body.
Wangchuk’s allegations have brought renewed attention to the political situation in Ladakh, with the controversy over the winter elections and the restrictions on the activist adding another dimension to the ongoing protests.
