Authorities announced a four-hour relaxation of the week-long curfew in Leh, allowing residents to access essential services, including grocery and hardware stores, from 10 am on Tuesday. This measure aims to ease some restrictions imposed during ongoing tensions following clashes between protesters and law enforcement on September 24.
The curfew saw a brief two-hour relaxation on Monday after the last rites of four deceased individuals, including a retired Army personnel, were held. Officials indicated that further decisions about curfew relaxation would depend on the evolving situation throughout the day.
Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Mohammed stated, “All groceries, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops will open during this period.” This move is crucial for re-establishing normalcy and helping residents access essential goods.
A police official emphasized the stable situation in Leh, stating, “Barring the violence last Wednesday, there has been no untoward incident. Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength, ensuring law and order.”
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been proactively overseeing security situations through high-level meetings. He appealed for peace, emphasizing its significance for development during his Monday address. Gupta said, “I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements.”
He pledged that the administration would ensure citizens’ safety, dignity, and progress, reinforcing their commitment to addressing grievances through dialogue.
The Lieutenant Governor pointed out the necessity for enhanced intelligence and regular community engagement as steps to bolster trust between the administration and residents.
Despite some easing of restrictions, authorities continue to suspend mobile internet services in Leh Town. Prohibitory orders remain active, preventing gatherings of five or more people across major areas, including Kargil.
A curfew was initially imposed on the evening of September 24, following violent unrest sparked by protests led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. This unrest resulted in over 60 arrests, including prominent figures such as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who now faces charges under the National Security Act.
In light of these incidents, the Ladakh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a thorough investigation into the events to ensure accountability and justice. They expressed condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “We demand the immediate release of all innocent persons charged with minor offences.”
The BJP also highlighted the importance of peace in the region: “Ladakh is known for its beauty and the resilience of its people. We urge everyone to uphold peace and harmony, avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation.”
In a statement urging harmony, the party appealed to citizens, saying, “Let us work together to ensure that peace prevails.” This call for cooperation aims to foster a spirit of unity as the region navigates these challenging times.
