Authorities have announced that the week-long curfew in Leh town will be relaxed for four hours from 10 am on Tuesday. The decision comes amidst ongoing tensions following clashes that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread unrest.
This relaxation allows shopkeepers to open their establishments during this critical period. Shopkeepers eagerly await the opportunity to serve the community and contribute to restoring some normalcy.
The relaxation follows a brief two-hour reprieve on Monday that occurred after the last rites of four individuals, including a retired Army personnel, who died during violent protests on September 24. This day marked high tensions sparked by a shutdown called by constituents of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) advocating for statehood and the application of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
A police official stated that further decisions about extending the relaxation will depend on the day’s evolving situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order. Local leaders and community members express the need for stability as the area grapples with the recent disturbances.
Additional District Magistrate in Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, has directed all groceries, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops to operate during the relaxation period. Citizens have shown resilience in these challenging times and are relieved by any effort to ease restrictions.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, there has been no further unrest reported,” the police official added. “We have deployed police and paramilitary forces extensively to maintain order in sensitive areas and reinforce security measures.”
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been actively chairing high-level security review meetings almost daily. On Monday, he appealed to the public to maintain peace, reinforcing the idea that stability is essential for development.
“I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and to reject the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements,” Gupta stated. “The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity, and progress.”
Furthermore, Gupta commended the community for demonstrating remarkable restraint during turbulent times, vowing that the administration would engage with the residents and address their legitimate grievances through dialogue and democratic avenues.
Gupta also emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, regular community engagement, and prompt resolution of public grievances to foster trust between the administration and citizens, which is vital for restoring normalcy in the region.
While authorities relax restrictions, mobile internet services remain suspended in Leh town. Prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons continue in other major areas of the Union Territory, including Kargil, posing challenges for locals seeking to regroup.
In response to these developments, the Ladakh BJP has called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and justice. Their statement also demands the immediate release of all innocents charged with minor offenses, pledging support for the families affected by the violence.
“Ladakh is known for its beauty and the resilience of its people. We urge everyone to uphold peace and harmony. It is crucial that we do not disrupt law and order or succumb to misinformation,” the BJP appealed. “The cooperation and effort from all citizens toward maintaining peace are indispensable for healing and reconciliation in the community.”
