Authorities announced that a four-hour relaxation in the week-long curfew for Leh town will take place on Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm. This decision aims to provide residents some respite and to allow shopkeepers to reopen their establishments, officials confirmed.
The relaxation comes shortly after a prior two-hour easing on Monday, following the last rites for four individuals, including a retired Army personnel. These citizens lost their lives during the clashes that erupted on September 24 between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
A police official stated that the curfew’s relaxation could extend further based on the evolving situation. “Our priority remains the restoration of peace and normalcy,” the official remarked.
Ghulam Mohammed, the Additional District Magistrate in Leh, ordered all groceries, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops to operate during the relaxation period. Officials underlined the importance of maintaining order, highlighting minimal reported incidents after the initial clashes.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, there was no untoward incident,” reported a police spokesperson. To ensure continued safety, police and paramilitary forces remain deployed in sensitive areas, maintaining strict vigilance.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been actively chairing high-level security review meetings almost daily. He reiterated the call for peace, emphasizing it as “the cornerstone of development.”
The Lieutenant Governor urged the community to foster unity, stating, “I appeal to everyone not to fall prey to anti-social elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and commits to ensuring their safety and dignity.” His leadership aims to strengthen trust between the administration and citizens through enhanced intelligence gathering and two-way dialogue.
Despite the relaxation, officials noted that mobile internet services in Leh town remain suspended. Prohibitory orders barring gatherings of five or more people continue in other regions, including Kargil, to prevent further unrest.
The curfew was initially imposed following violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) aimed at demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule rights for Ladakh. Following these events, authorities arrested over 60 people, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act.
The Ladakh BJP party has called for a thorough investigation into the violence to ensure accountability. The BJP expressed condolences to the families of those deceased and called for the immediate release of any innocent individuals charged with minor offences.
“Ladakh is known for its beauty and resilience. It is vital that we uphold peace and harmony,” the party implored. Their message emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain law and order, cautioning against falling for misinformation.
In closing, the BJP reiterated the need for unity and cooperation among all citizens, highlighting the community’s significant role in ensuring reconciliation and healing in this tumultuous time. (Agencies)
