Ladakh bans protests ahead of polls: Sonam Wangchuk warns of fresh agitation against elections

NewsIndia NewsLadakh bans protests ahead of polls: Sonam Wangchuk warns of fresh agitation against elections Ladakh bans protests ahead of polls: Sonam Wangchuk warns of fresh agitation against elections Edited by Aastha Jha / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Nov 11, 2026, 16:51 IST Sonam Wangchuk appeals to Centre over Ladakh polls, warns of fresh agitation as authorities ban protests in Leh and Kargil NEW DELHI: The Ladakh administration has prohibited political protests, dharnas, rallies and other forms of collective demonstrations in Leh and Kargil during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming local body elections, even as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to the Centre to intervene, warning of fresh agitation over the poll schedule.In a post on X on Wednesday, Wangchuk shared a video featuring leaders from Leh and Kargil, including the local MP, appealing to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to intervene.

The appeal comes amid growing opposition to the proposed elections and demands for political safeguards in the Union Territory. Watch Sonam Wangchuk Accuses Ladakh Admin Of ‘Witch-Hunting’, Seeks President Murmu’s Intervention The activist also questioned the delay in the judicial inquiry commission report into the September 24 incidents in Leh, saying it had been a year since the violence.

He alleged that the administration was moving quickly to conduct the elections while the report and discussions on democratic restoration remained unresolved.Meanwhile, the restriction on protests was announced through an order issued by chief electoral officer Rahul Sharma on Wednesday.

It prohibits political parties, candidates, workers, supporters and others from organising or participating in dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil while the MCC remains in force.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development The order said such activities could intimidate voters, disturb public order and affect the atmosphere required for free and fair elections.

It was issued under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003. District election officers and police authorities have been directed to ensure compliance, with violations inviting action under relevant laws.Poll Do you support the ban on political protests during the election period in Ladakh?

"No political party, candidate, worker, supporter or any other person shall organise, hold, or participate in any dharna, protest, demonstration, sit-in, hunger strike, rally or any similar form of collective political activity within the municipal limits of the Municipal Committee, Leh and the Municipal Committee, Kargil, which is likely to impact the peaceful conduct of elections during the entire period the Model Code of Conduct remains in force," the order said as quoted by news agency PTI.Polling for the Leh and Kargil municipal committees and panchayats is scheduled for November 21, while elections to the eight Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) are scheduled for December 4.

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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