The Leh district administration barred environmentalist and educator Sonam Wangchuk from participating in unauthorised processions, gatherings or protest programmes in the district for 60 days.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, took immediate effect and will remain in force for 60 days unless legally withdrawn or modified.
The administration said the restriction covered activities that could disturb public peace or disrupt the election process. It expressed apprehension that Wangchuk's participation in protests, hunger strikes or public gatherings could affect law and order.
Police officials had sought preventive action against Wangchuk, administrative sources said. Police alleged that some of his earlier programmes attempted to incite people and affected the district's law-and-order situation. The allegation has not been established by the administration or a court.
The administration said the model code of conduct was already in force in the district under directions of the State Election Commission and Ladakh's Chief Electoral Officer.
Municipal and panchayat elections in Ladakh are scheduled for November 21, while elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council are due on December 4. Wangchuk and local leaders have sought postponement of the polls, saying nearly half of Ladakh's population moves to other states during the severe winter and snowfall period.
Police recently removed Wangchuk from a protest site in Leh. The district administration issued the 60-day restriction thereafter.
