Leh Civil Society Group Begins Indefinite Protest Over MHA Talks and Winter Elections

Ladakh's civil society group, the Leh Apex Body, started an indefinite sit-in at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Memorial Park in Leh to protest the Ministry of Home Affairs failing to resume talks and the scheduling of hill council elections at the peak of winter. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was placed under house arrest and blocked from joining the demonstration.

Protesters' Demands

Protesters raised six main demands, which include opposing simultaneous elections, convening the MHA Sub-Committee meeting, releasing the Judicial Enquiry Commission report on the September 24 incident, withdrawing all cases unconditionally, forming an independent Delimitation Commission, and fully rolling back the new liquor policy. LAB co-chairman Tsering Dorjey Lakrook stated that 25% of the population has already left Ladakh and winter is an improper time for polls. The group also voiced fears of vote rigging and voter list deletions affecting young voters.

Official Action And BJP Response

The Leh District Magistrate invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to restrict Mr. Wangchuk's movement for 60 days to prevent any breach of public peace. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang supported the December 4 hill council elections, urging public participation, highlighting a new 33% reservation for women, and welcoming the creation of six new districts.

Context

Ladakh is a Union Territory governed without a state legislature, making these local hill councils the primary institutions for public representation and democratic decision-making. Regional groups frequently negotiate with the central government over local autonomy, environmental safeguards, and constitutional protections.