Authorities have announced a four-hour relaxation in the ongoing week-long curfew in Leh, allowing shopkeepers to resume operations from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday. The decision aims to ease restrictions amid heightened security following violent protests last week.
The relaxation comes just after a two-hour window on Monday when some businesses reopened following the last rites of four individuals, including a retired Army personnel, who tragically lost their lives in clashes between protesters and law enforcement on September 24.
A police official stated that further relaxation in curfew conditions would depend on the developing situation throughout the day. Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Mohammed ordered the opening of grocery stores, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops during this period.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, there have been no untoward incidents reported elsewhere. Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength across sensitive areas, maintaining strict vigilance to ensure law and order,” the police officer added.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been conducting high-level security review meetings daily. On Monday, he urged people to maintain peace, which he termed as “the cornerstone of development.”
“I implore all sections of society to foster unity and harmony and not become pawns of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration remains steadfast in supporting the people to ensure their safety, dignity, and progress,” Gupta stated.
In his address, Gupta also commended the local populace for exhibiting remarkable restraint and expressed his commitment to addressing legitimate grievances through dialogue and democratic channels.
Enhancing trust between the administration and citizens remains a priority. The Lieutenant Governor has directed improved intelligence gathering, increased community engagement, and rapid resolution of public complaints.
Despite the relaxation in curfew, mobile internet services continue to remain suspended in Leh. Prohibitory orders, which ban gatherings of five or more individuals, are still enforced in other significant regions of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
The curfew was imposed after violent protests erupted on September 24, following a shutdown called by a component of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). The demonstrations aimed to advance discussions with the Central government regarding demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
Authorities apprehended over 60 individuals, including two councilors and popular climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and is currently held in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP has demanded a thorough inquiry into the violent incidents to uphold “accountability and justice.”
“We also urge for the immediate release of all innocent people charged with minor offences,” the BJP stated, expressing condolences to the families affected by the unrest.
“Ladakh is renowned for its stunning beauty and the resilience of its people. We call on everyone in Ladakh to uphold peace and harmony. It’s vital that we do not resort to vigilante justice or succumb to misinformation. We must unite to ensure peace prevails,” the party urged.
In a collective call for cooperation, they emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, requesting all citizens to work together to facilitate healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of the unrest.
