Ladakh Gears Up For First Local Polls Amid Boycott Calls

Ladakh is preparing for its first major panchayat and municipal council elections scheduled for November 21, following the announcement of the poll schedule and model code of conduct on October 26. However, the <b>Leh Apex Body</b> and <b>Kargil Democratic Alliance</b> have demanded a postponement of the polls, citing harsh winter conditions and the migration of nearly 25 percent of the local population. Protests and shutdowns have erupted across the region, while officials maintain that the entire election process will be completed before December 8.