Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma enacted prohibitions on political demonstrations across Leh and Kargil under the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act ahead of phased polls scheduled for November 21 and December 4. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk opposed the timeline, urging high-level central government intervention after declaring that talks regarding political safeguards and democracy restoration had broken down. Wangchuk specifically criticized conducting elections despite the harsh winter weather, snowfall, and seasonal migration of the local population. Additionally, he raised concerns over holding the vote while an inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh remains unresolved after…
Key points
The regional administration is prioritizing electoral order by strictly forbidding any co…: The regional administration is prioritizing electoral order by strictly forbidding any collective demonstrations under the Model Code of Conduct.
Activists and local leaders object to the poll dates due to harsh winter weather, snowfal…: Activists and local leaders object to the poll dates due to harsh winter weather, snowfall, and seasonal migration patterns.
Simmering tensions persist in the region because a judicial inquiry into last year's Sept…: Simmering tensions persist in the region because a judicial inquiry into last year's September 24 violence remains unresolved.
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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 Rahul Gandhi to intervene. The appeal comes amid growing opposition to the proposed elections and demands for political safeguards in the Union Territory.Wangchuk said talks on the restoration of democracy had broken down and alleged that the administration was moving ahead with the elections despite concerns raised by people across Ladakh. He also questioned the timing of the polls, citing harsh winter conditions, snowfall and the seasonal migration…
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