Tension grips Leh as LAHDC elections face uncertainty amid curbs, public anger
Leh: Amid continued restrictions, the situation in Indian illegally occupied Ladakh region remains tense as uncertainty deepens over the conduct of elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, following deadly violence that left four civilians dead and nearly 100 others injured.
According to Kashmir Media Service, with the five-year term of the current Council expiring later this month, the region’s administration has yet to issue a notification for fresh elections, fuelling speculation of a deliberate delay. The development comes amid public outrage and demands for justice after Indian forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Leh on September 24.
The violence erupted during a hunger strike led by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was later detained under the draconian National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Locals say fear and resentment continue to prevail in Leh, with a heavy deployment of Indian troops across key areas.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk, through his brother and lawyer, has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killings. “I demand an impartial probe into the murder of our four people. Unless that happens, I am ready to remain in jail,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful movement for Ladakh’s rights.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has moved the Supreme Court of India, challenging his “illegal and arbitrary detention.” Her petition accuses the administration of carrying out a politically motivated crackdown to suppress dissent, adding that Wangchuk’s transfer to Jodhpur has caused deep anguish among the local population.
