Restrictions on Sonam Wangchuk a pattern of administrative high-handedness, says Ladakh body

Mr. Wangchuk was shifted from the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Memorial Park, a protest site in Leh, to HIAL on November 11. File | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad Kargilli on Sunday (November 15, 2026) said arbitrary restrictions on the freedom of movement of activist Sonam Wangchuk reflect “a deeply troubling pattern of administrative high-handedness”.Speaking after a failed attempt to meet Mr. Wangchuk at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, (HIAL) on Saturday (November 14, 2026), the co-chairman of the Ladakh civil society body said: “When we sought clarification on whether Mr. Wangchuk had been arrested, the police categorically stated that he was not under arrest but was merely facing restrictions on his movement.”“This immediately raised a fundamental question: If he is not under arrest, on what grounds are others being prevented from meeting him? Unfortunately, the authorities had no convincing answer,” Mr. Kargilli said.Mr. Wangchuk was shifted from the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Memorial Park, a protest site in Leh, to HIAL on November 11.Mr. Wanchuk’s removal came as the Leh Apex Body (LAB), another civil society group, called for an indefinite sit-in over their six demands, which included the resumption of dialogue by the Centre with civil society groups and the postponement of hill council elections to next year instead of the original plan of December 4 polls.“On November 14, I, along with two other members of the KDA, attempted to meet renowned climate activist Mr. Wangchuk at HIAL, Leh. However, we were stopped by the police and prevented from proceeding further,” said Mr. Kargilli.He said this incident once again exposes the alarming state of democracy and rule of law in Ladakh.“The arbitrary restrictions on freedom of movement, the denial of the right to meet, and the absence of any reasonable explanation reflect a deeply troubling pattern of administrative high-handedness,” said the KDA leader, who is also a member of the Ladakh group holding talks with the Centre.He said Ladakh cannot be governed through bureaucratic authoritarianism, intimidation and the suppression of dissent.“The democratic rights, constitutional freedoms and dignity of its people cannot be held hostage to arbitrary administrative decisions. We firmly believe that democracy is not a favour granted by the administration; it is a fundamental right of the people,” said Mr. Kargilli.He demanded the resumption of dialogue and an “end to the administrative repression”.The Ladakh administration has imposed restrictions on Mr. Wangchuk for 60 days under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and cited concerns over public order and the smooth conduct of upcoming elections for panchayat, municipalities and hill councils.Meanwhile, the Ladakh Police said the 17-year-old son of Tsewang Tharchin, an Indian ex-serviceman killed during a protest in Leh in September 2025, was safe.On November 13, the minor allegedly threatened to self-immolate in protest at NDS Memorial Park, where the LAB protest is underway.“The confirmation was received from the child’s grandfather, who assured that both the minor and his mother are safe. The UT administration and Ladakh Police remain committed to ensuring the child’s well-being, privacy and access to appropriate medical care and counselling through the Child Welfare Committee, wherever required,” said the police.The police urged the public to respect the dignity and privacy of the child and his family.“Any medical, counselling or administrative assistance required by the family would be fully extended by the UT Administration and Police,” the police said. Published - November 15, 2026 10:29 pm IST