SRINAGAR: Ladakh Police late Wednesday evening removed Leh Apex Body member and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site and escorted him to his residence.The police action came hours after Wangchuk, along with leaders of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) voiced concern over the decision to hold hill council elections on December 4, citing harsh winter conditions and migration of around 25% from Ladakh to other parts of the country.“In compliance with the prohibitory orders issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh, and the District Magistrate, Leh, regulating public rallies, protests and other public gatherings within the limits of Leh Municipality in view of the ongoing election exercise, Ladakh Police has today taken preventive action by removing Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site and escorting him to his residence,” a police statement issued early Thursday morning said.“Sonam Wangchuk has been advised to stay at his residence. The action has been taken in exercise of the powers vested in the competent authority under the prevailing prohibitory orders, with the objective of preventing any potential breach of public order and maintaining peace and tranquillity,” the police said.“The general public is advised to strictly adhere to the prohibitory orders in view of the Panchayat, Municipal and LAHDC elections in Ladakh and refrain from any activity that may disturb public peace and law-and-order,” officials added.The Ladakh administration Wednesday imposed a complete ban on protests and demonstrations within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil, citing the municipal and hill council polls scheduled for November 23 and December 4, respectively.Ladakhi leaders including Wangchuk had announced protest against the decision saying it is unprecedented in Ladakh history to conduct an election in harsh winter when around 25% Ladakhis are out of the region.“Ladakh is known as the world’s coldest inhabited place. The weather forecast for December indicates snowfall. How will elections be conducted in such conditions? Half of the population is outside Ladakh, while students are already studying in different cities. When Leh, Kargil and other areas are nearly empty, why are you holding elections,” Wangchuk had said on Wednesday evening in an online briefing along with other Ladakh leaders.On Tuesday the region’s State Election Commission (SEC) announced elections for the eight autonomous hill development councils (LAHDC) in the Union Territory, with polling scheduled for December 4.The announcement for Ladakh Panchayat election and Municipal bodies was made earlier and they are scheduled to be held on November 21.On Wednesday, the office of the chief electoral officer issued an order stating that the model code of conduct has been enforced and will remain in force till the completion of the election process.The order said organising of political dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies or similar collective activities within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the currency of the model code of conduct has the potential to intimidate voters, disturb public order, and vitiate the atmosphere for free and fair elections:On Tuesday Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra described LAHDCs polls as a watershed moment and turning point for Ladakh democracy.“I personally feel that this is a watershed moment for Ladakh and democracy in Ladakh. It’s a turning point. And I think it is a crucial inflection in the larger journey of democracy,” Kundra said addressing a press conference in Leh after the SEC issued election notification.Defending the timing of December 4 for polls, the CS had said schools remain open in Ladakh till December 15. “If children can go to school during this period, I don’t think there should be any difficulty for adults to come out and vote,” he said.He further said deputy commissioners have been instructed to ensure adequate facilities at polling stations, particularly for elderly voters.“We have assured that all deputy commissioners have been instructed to provide necessary facilities at polling stations. Heaters will also be provided and separate queues will be arranged for elderly voters so that they do not face any inconvenience,” he added.