On Friday, Leh entered its third consecutive day under curfew, as a team from the Union Home Ministry met to review the security landscape in the region. The curfew, which began on Wednesday evening, came after widespread protests that tragically claimed four lives and left over ninety individuals injured.
The unrest erupted when the Leh Apex Body (LAB) initiated a shutdown to advocate for statehood and seek the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Despite the imposed curfew, officials reported no major incidents, indicating that the situation remained largely calm across Ladakh.
Authorities are considering easing curfew restrictions later today to accommodate essential services. As part of the response to the protests, over 50 individuals have been arrested. Police and paramilitary forces continue to patrol the streets to ensure law and order, preventing any activities that could disrupt peace in the area.
Romil Singh, the District Magistrate of Leh, has implemented a two-day closure of all government and private educational institutions starting Friday to further maintain public order. Singh’s decision aligns with the ongoing efforts to stabilize the town and curb any potential violence during this tense period.
In a statement regarding the unrest, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, condemned the dissemination of videos purportedly inciting unrest. He declared, “The videos being circulated are deliberate attempts to disturb peace in Ladakh. We cannot allow the future of our youth to be compromised. Any such incidents will be dealt with under a zero-tolerance policy.”
A contingent from the Ministry of Home Affairs arrived in Leh on Thursday to personally assess the situation on the ground. Officials remain cautiously optimistic that conditions will stabilize soon, allowing for the gradual reinstatement of normalcy in the region.
The government aims to find a resolution that addresses the concerns expressed by the residents of Ladakh while ensuring peace and security. The ongoing dialogues with local leaders indicate a willingness to address these demands seriously amid heightened tensions.
As Ladakh’s residents continue to navigate this challenging chapter, the authorities emphasize a strong commitment to maintaining order and restoring peace without compromising on legitimate requests for development and autonomy.
