Sonam Wangchuk claims house arrest as Ladakh Administration imposes restrictions
The climate activist said dozens of armed guards surround his house after the administration imposed a 60-day restriction on his activities.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk claimed on Thursday that he has been placed under house arrest in Leh. According to The Tribune, Wangchuk wrote on X that dozens of armed guards surround his house, while the government version states he has been advised to stay at home.
The Ladakh Administration has imposed restrictions on Wangchuk for 60 days. An order from the office of the District Magistrate, Leh, prohibits him from engaging in any unauthorised rally, procession, or public gathering.
The Additional District Magistrate, Leh, issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order states that Wangchuk's activities and alleged attempts to mobilise the public have previously affected public order in the district.
The administration said there is an apprehension that his future programmes, hunger strikes, or demonstrations may lead to a disturbance of public peace. The order also noted that such activities could be prejudicial to ongoing electoral processes for the Municipal Committee, Panchayats, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.
Wangchuk alleged that the action was taken for asking questions regarding the delay of the Judicial Enquiry Commission Report and the timing of the Council election. He also claimed his reach on social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and YouTube, has been suppressed.
On Wednesday night, the Ladakh Police said they had taken preventive action and removed Wangchuk from the NDS Memorial Park protest site in Leh.