Leh Breathes Easy as Curfew Ends Amid Tensions

After a week of stringent curfew following deadly clashes, Leh town in Ladakh saw a significant easing of restrictions on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief to residents. Markets buzzed back to life, with shops reopening and vehicles returning to the roads, though educational institutions remained shuttered. The relaxation, initially set from 10 AM to 2 PM, was extended until 5 PM, and with no major incidents reported, authorities opted not to reimpose curbs thereafter. However, cautious shopkeepers closed their establishments voluntarily at the end of the relaxation period.

The curfew was first imposed on September 24 after violent protests erupted during a shutdown called by a faction of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The clashes, which saw protesters confront security forces, resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including a retired Army personnel. On Monday, restrictions were briefly lifted for two hours to allow the last rites of the deceased, marking the first step toward normalcy.

A police official reported no further incidents since the violence last Wednesday, crediting the heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces in sensitive areas. “We’re maintaining a strict vigil to ensure law and order,” the official stated. Despite the eased curfew, mobile internet services remain suspended in Leh, and prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more people are still enforced across major parts of Ladakh, including Kargil.

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Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been proactive, chairing near-daily security review meetings to stabilize the region. In a statement on Monday, Gupta urged residents to prioritize peace, describing it as “the cornerstone of development.” He emphasized unity, warning against “anti-social and anti-national elements” and assuring citizens that the administration is committed to their safety and progress. Gupta also directed officials to enhance intelligence gathering, engage with communities, and address public grievances swiftly to rebuild trust.

The unrest led to the detention of over 60 individuals, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was arrested under the National Security Act on September 26 and is currently held in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan. Two councillors were also detained. The Ladakh BJP condemned the violence, calling for a thorough investigation to ensure “accountability and justice” while demanding the release of those charged with minor offenses. “Ladakh’s beauty and resilience must shine through,” the party stated, urging citizens to uphold peace and avoid misinformation.

The protests stem from long-standing demands for greater autonomy and constitutional protections for Ladakh, a region known for its strategic importance and unique cultural heritage. The LAB’s push for statehood and Sixth Schedule status reflects concerns over preserving local identity and resources amid rapid administrative changes since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019.

As Leh takes tentative steps toward recovery, the administration faces the challenge of balancing security with dialogue to address the region’s grievances. Gupta has promised to resolve legitimate issues through democratic means, but with internet curbs and assembly bans still in place, tensions linger. The BJP’s call for unity and reconciliation resonates, but the path to lasting peace in Ladakh remains complex, with the region’s future hinging on constructive engagement between the administration and its people.

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