Sonam Wangchuk Under ‘House Arrest’ As Leh Apex Body Seeks To Postpone Winter Polls

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been placed under house arrest in Ladakh amid protests against the administration's decision to hold hill council elections during winter.The Leh Apex Body, along with religious organisations, has begun an indefinite dharna, demanding that the polls be deferred. The organisation says harsh winter conditions could prevent nearly 30 per cent of Ladakh's population from voting.LAB chairman Tsring Dorjey has also alleged electoral roll tampering and the removal of young voters. The administration, however, has defended the election schedule, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra highlighting the importance of the polls for grassroots democracy.