'I am under house arrest': Sonam Wangchuk speaks out against restrictions on movement in Ladakh

NewsIndia News'I am under house arrest': Sonam Wangchuk speaks out against restrictions on movement in Ladakh 'I am under house arrest': Sonam Wangchuk speaks out against restrictions on movement in Ladakh Edited by Aastha Jha / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 12, 2026, 22:34 IST Sonam Wangchuk alleges he has been placed under house arrest without a formal order after Ladakh imposed 60-day movement restrictions on him NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has written to the Ladakh administration seeking clarification over a 60-day order restricting his movement, alleging that he has effectively been placed under house arrest without any formal direction or legal justification.In his representation, dated November 12, Wangchuk said the order issued by the office of the additional district magistrate, Leh, on November 11 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had curtailed his freedom of movement and speech.

He also sought an explanation for the deployment of around 20 to 22 armed police personnel at and around his residence.“The practical effect of their presence is that I am confined to my house,” Wangchuk said, asking the administration to clarify in writing whether he was free to leave his residence and, if not, under which legal provision he was being restrained.He said the order did not explicitly direct him to remain at home or mention house arrest, detention or confinement.

According to Wangchuk, police personnel had orally instructed him to stay at his residence after taking him there on Wednesday evening.Wangchuk said he was at the proposed venue of a dharna at NDS Memorial Park in Leh around 8pm on November 11 when a group of policemen arrived and handed him a copy of the magistrate's order.

He alleged that he was forcefully pushed into a vehicle by four masked men and taken to his residence at HIAL, reaching there around 8.40pm.He further alleged that he was not allowed to use his phone to inform his family or speak to a lawyer.

He said around 20 to 22 armed police personnel had remained deployed at and around his residence since then.The activist also questioned the scope of the restrictions, saying the order did not specify where he could travel, during what hours, or whether he could leave home for work, medical treatment, worship or family obligations.

He said the expression “any activity” in the order was vague and could prevent him from carrying out his ordinary occupation and day-to-day activities.The representation also sought a copy of the letter from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, on which the magistrate's order was based, along with the material facts cited to justify the restrictions.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development Wangchuk said a dharna had been planned for November 12 to raise concerns over the advancement of the elections to December 4, the stalled dialogue between Ladakh representatives and the Union government, and the delay in making public the judicial inquiry commission report into the September 24, 2025 incidents.He said around 600 people had gathered for the protest on Thursday and that it had passed off peacefully, with no objection from the police.

He argued that the gathering had not been stopped despite the order restricting unauthorised rallies and public gatherings.Questioning the administration's justification for the 60-day restrictions, Wangchuk said the electoral process was scheduled to conclude on December 8 and alleged that the action was intended to curtail his rights before the elections.He asked the administration to withdraw the order and the police deployment, and provide written clarification on the legal basis for restricting his movement.

Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Aastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives.

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