The Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh, has prohibited all political dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the period of Model Code of Conduct.
The order, issued today, will remain in force till the completion of the election process for Municipal Committees of Leh and Kargil.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force with effect from October 23, 2026, when the CEO issued the notification calling upon electors of Leh and Kargil to elect members to the Municipal Committees.
In the order, the CEO said the Model Code requires maintenance of an atmosphere conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections, and no activity should be permitted which may create intimidation, fear or undue influence among electors.
It said organising political dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies or similar collective activities during the Code period has the potential to intimidate voters, disturb public order and vitiate the atmosphere for free and fair elections.
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Exercising powers under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 read with the J&K Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003, the CEO directed that no political party, candidate, worker, supporter or any other person shall organise, hold or participate in any dharna, protest, demonstration, sit-in, hunger strike, rally or any similar form of collective political activity within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil which is likely to impact peaceful conduct of elections.
