Authorities in Leh, Ladakh, have announced a four-hour relaxation of the curfew imposed in the town, allowing residents to access essential services from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday. The decision comes after a period of heightened tensions due to violent protests that erupted on September 24.
Earlier this week, a brief two-hour relaxation took place on Monday, following the completion of last rites for four individuals, including a retired Army officer, who died amid violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Police indicated that any future extensions of the relaxation would depend on developments throughout the day.
The Additional District Magistrate of Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, mandated that all grocery stores, hardware outlets, and vegetable shops operate during this relaxation period. According to a police official, aside from the clashes last Wednesday, no further incidents have occurred, indicating some return to normalcy.
“Police and paramilitary forces remain deployed in sensitive regions, exercising strict vigilance to uphold law and order,” the official stated.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been actively overseeing security protocols through daily review meetings. In a recent address, he urged the community to prioritize peace, framing it as essential for holistic development. “I encourage all groups in society to foster unity and resist divisive tactics employed by anti-social elements,” Gupta expressed.
He commended residents for their patience and commitment amidst challenging times, vowing to engage in dialogue to address legitimate concerns. Gupta also noted the necessity for improved intelligence efforts, community interaction, and prompt resolution of public grievances to bolster trust between citizens and the administration.
Despite these recent relaxations, mobile internet services remain blocked in the town, while restrictions barring gatherings of five or more people continue across critical areas in the Union Territory, including Kargil.
The imposition of the curfew took place on the evening of September 24, following violent protests linked to demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, led by a coalition of local bodies known as the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
Following these events, law enforcement arrested over 60 individuals, including two local councilors. Notably, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faced detention under the National Security Act on September 26 and is currently held in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
In response, the Ladakh unit of the BJP has called for a thorough investigation into the protests to ensure accountability and justice. “We also demand the immediate release of innocent individuals charged with minor offenses,” stated a party representative, sending condolences to the families affected by the recent violence.
“Ladakh is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and the fortitude of its inhabitants. We must all collaborate to preserve peace and unity. It is imperative that we do not compromise law and order or fall victim to misinformation,” the BJP highlighted in its statement.
The party emphasized the need for collective efforts to maintain harmony and urged all citizens to participate actively in the healing and reconciliation process.
