Phoney election foisted on people with rocket speed in mid-winter: Sonam Wangchuk

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk alleges he has been under house arrest in Leh, Ladakh, with uniformed men stationed near his home and at a nearby institute. Wangchuk posted videos on social media showing him being moved from a tent to his residence ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) polls scheduled for December 4.

On Friday, he attempted to leave his home but was blocked by police. Wangchuk claims he is being prevented from moving despite being told to stay home. As election day nears, protests against the hastily conducted polls due to harsh weather and residents migrating for warmer climates have intensified. Kargil was shut down for a day on November 8, and Leh saw scores of people hold a sit-in protest on Thursday.

Wangchuk argues that dozens of armed guards surround his house, while the government claims he was merely advised to stay indoors. He seeks clarification from the Union Home Minister and local authorities on the reasons for his house arrest, noting that no explicit order has been provided to him.