Ladakh Police have appealed to the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities as the region gears up for Panchayat and Hill Development Council elections.
DIG Ladakh Zone Dr Koshal Kumar Sharma said police is keeping a watch on the situation and taking steps to prevent unlawful activities and maintain public order.
Speaking on the situation in the region Sharma said peaceful demonstrations are allowed but if people follow rules and guidelines laid down by authorities then police would take action. He added that whenever police find any activity which may lead to disturbance or threaten public peace they would take action.
The senior police officer said law and order was the department’s number one responsibility. He said police officers are trained to respond where there is a possibility of tension or disruption.
Sharma also asked people not to resort to protests but participate in the democratic process. He appealed to residents to take part in upcoming Panchayat and Hill Development Council elections and use electoral process to express their expectations and concerns.
The election schedule has been a topic of discussion among several groups in Ladakh. Regional organisations have said that Hill Council elections being held in winter will be difficult weather wise and some residents may not be able to come out to their constituencies.
#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: DIG Ladakh Zone Dr Koshal Kumar Sharma says, "... Wherever we feel that any unlawful activity is taking place or there is a possibility of a breach of peace, the police are taking necessary steps. Peaceful protests are allowed, but everyone must follow the prescribed guidelines... We appeal to the public to participate in the upcoming Panchayat and Hill Development Council elections rather than engage in protests... Our priority is to maintain peace and public order. We have learned lessons from last year's incidents..."
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2026
The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have been critical of the election schedule and asked authorities to reconsider it. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is also associated with discussions on public demands in the region.
The administration has said that Panchayat and municipal elections will be held on November 21 while Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils elections will be held on December 4, 2026.
Authorities have also banned rallies, demonstrations and dharnas in Leh and Kargil municipal areas during the election period. This is to prevent disruptions and ensure that elections take place peacefully.
Referring to previous incidents Sharma said the police learnt lessons from last year’s unrest. On September 24, 2025 violent protests took place in Leh and four people died. It is an important reference point for authorities as they prepare to manage public gatherings and maintain stability now.
The DIG’s latest statement shows the police department’s determination not to let past disturbances happen again. He said the force would take preventive measures wherever necessary but allow peaceful protests within the guidelines.
With the election period coming up authorities are balancing public participation, democratic rights and security arrangements. Sharma says residents have to cooperate with police too.
Police have appealed people to avoid unlawful activities, follow prescribed rules and participate in the forthcoming elections peacefully. Stability during this period will be necessary for smooth polling and public order across Ladakh.
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