Politics1 min read

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

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has submitted a representation challenging his unannounced confinement, which followed an order issued by Leh's additional district magistrate under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Wangchuk reported being forcibly escorted home from NDS Memorial Park by four masked men and prevented from contacting his family or legal counsel. Around 20 to 22 armed police personnel were subsequently stationed outside his residence to orally enforce the movement curbs. He has now demanded the withdrawal of the security detail alongside a formal legal justification for the restrictions.

Key points

  • Wangchuk alleges the administration imposed vague curbs to prevent demonstrations over st…: Wangchuk alleges the administration imposed vague curbs to prevent demonstrations over stalled discussions with the central government.
  • The climate activist demanded that officials immediately withdraw armed personnel or prov…: The climate activist demanded that officials immediately withdraw armed personnel or provide explicit written grounds for his detention.
  • The restrictions effectively prevent Wangchuk from engaging in local civil activities pri…: The restrictions effectively prevent Wangchuk from engaging in local civil activities prior to elections concluding on December 8.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

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…

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