Ladakh Leaders, Sonam Wangchuk Make SOS Appeal to PM Modi Over Winter Elections; Demand Poll Postponement

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several political leaders from Ladakh have appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the upcoming local elections, citing extreme winter conditions and the possible exclusion of thousands of voters. Describing their appeal as an "SOS call from Ladakh", the leaders have demanded that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections, scheduled for December 4, 2026, be postponed until April or May 2027.

The appeal comes amid growing disagreement between regional political organisations and the Union Territory administration over the timing and conduct of the elections. Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Leh Apex Body (LAB) representatives and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) leaders have also joined the demand.

In a video message shared on social media on November 11, Wangchuk said December and January are among the harshest months in Ladakh, with temperatures falling below minus 30 degrees Celsius in some areas. He argued that heavy snowfall, road closures and seasonal migration could prevent a significant number of residents from participating in the elections.

Why Are Ladakh Leaders Demanding Postponement of Elections?

The primary concern raised by regional leaders is the possibility of reduced voter participation during the winter months. According to Wangchuk and other representatives, many Ladakh residents temporarily move to warmer parts of the country during winter for education, employment, holidays and pilgrimage. Thousands of students also leave the region to pursue studies and coaching in other cities. The leaders argue that holding elections in December could make it difficult for these residents to return to their constituencies and exercise their voting rights.

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan has also submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that the elections be rescheduled, preferably after May 2027. The leaders have maintained that they are not opposing elections but want them conducted during a period when weather and travel conditions allow maximum public participation.

Ladakh Administration Bans Protests Ahead of Elections

The controversy intensified after the Ladakh administration prohibited political protests, demonstrations, rallies, sit-ins and similar activities within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the election period. The Chief Electoral Officer issued the order on November 11, citing the Model Code of Conduct, which came into force following the notification of municipal elections.

According to the election authority, political demonstrations during this period could influence voters, disturb public order and affect the conduct of free and fair elections. The restrictions apply during the Model Code of Conduct period for the municipal elections scheduled for November 23. The LAHDC elections are separately scheduled for December 4. The decision has drawn criticism from Wangchuk and regional leaders, who believe their concerns about the election schedule should be addressed before the voting process moves forward.

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils are local governing institutions responsible for development and administrative matters in the region. They play an important role in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development and local infrastructure. The upcoming election process involves eight newly created Hill Development Councils. The administration has announced December 4 as the polling date.

However, regional organisations have raised concerns about the proposed council structure, election arrangements and the timing of the polls. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have also questioned the pace of the election process, arguing that discussions over Ladakh's political future and constitutional safeguards remain unresolved.

Why Has Ladakh Been Demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule Protection?

The current election controversy is connected to a larger political disagreement that began after Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in August 2019. Following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislative assembly. Since then, regional organisations have been demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Sixth Schedule provides special administrative arrangements for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It allows the formation of autonomous councils with specified powers over local administration and development. Ladakh's leaders argue that similar constitutional safeguards are necessary to protect the region's tribal identity, land, culture, employment opportunities and natural resources. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have been leading discussions and protests over these demands.

What Happened During the September 2025 Ladakh Protests?

The latest disagreement also brings attention to the violent protests that took place in Leh on September 24, 2025. The demonstrations were part of the wider movement demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protection for Ladakh. Wangchuk had been leading an indefinite hunger strike that began on September 10, 2025.

On September 24, protests turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. Government and political offices were attacked, and vehicles were set on fire. Four people died during the violence, while several police and security personnel were injured. Two days later, Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. The government alleged that his speeches contributed to the unrest, an allegation he denied. In March 2026, the Union Home Ministry revoked his detention, allowing his release. The government had also announced a judicial inquiry into the September 2025 violence. The status of the inquiry report has become another point of concern for regional leaders.