Authorities announced that a week-long curfew in Leh town will see a temporary relaxation for four hours on Tuesday, starting at 10 am. Officials directed shopkeepers to open their establishments during this limited time frame to provide essential services.
The last relaxation of the curfew began on Monday, lasting for two hours after the completion of the last rites for four individuals, including a retired Army personnel, who tragically lost their lives amid violent clashes on September 24. Police officials indicated that any further extensions in curfew relaxation would depend on the situation as the day progresses.
Additional District Magistrate of Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, confirmed that during the relaxation period, all groceries, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops must operate to facilitate public needs.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere,” stated a police official. The police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength in sensitive areas, maintaining strict vigilance to ensure law and order.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been chairing high-level security review meetings nearly every day. On Monday, he appealed to the public to uphold peace, characterizing it as “the cornerstone of development.”
“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,” Gupta emphasized. He reassured the citizens that the administration remains committed to their safety, dignity, and progress through dialogue and democratic avenues.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the people for exhibiting remarkable restraint and commitment during challenging times. His approach fosters trust with calls for increased intelligence gathering and regular community engagement to swiftly address public grievances.
Officials confirmed that mobile internet services will remain suspended in Leh town, with prohibitory orders still enforced in other major areas of the Union Territory, including Kargil. These measures follow the curfew imposed on September 24, after violent protests erupted during a shutdown initiated by a member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). This protest aimed to accelerate discussions with the Centre regarding demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
The aftermath of the protests led to the arrest of more than 60 individuals, including two councilors. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faced detention under the National Security Act on September 26, currently held in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
In light of the situation, the Ladakh unit of the BJP has called for a thorough investigation into the clashes, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. “At the same time, we demand the immediate release of all innocent persons charged with minor offenses,” the BJP stated in a press release, expressing sincere condolences to the families affected by the violence.
“Ladakh is known for its beauty and the resilience of its people. We call upon everyone in Ladakh to uphold peace and harmony,” the BJP urged, cautioning against taking law and order into their own hands or succumbing to misinformation. The party emphasized collective efforts in maintaining peace and facilitating healing and reconciliation.