Ladakh Festival Cancelled Amid Clashes Between Protesters, Police

Ladakh Festival's Final Day Cancelled Following Confrontations Between Demonstrators and Police

The Ladakh festival has been an important showcase for emerging regional artistic talent

Leh:

Wednesday saw the cancellation of the concluding day of the four-day annual Ladakh festival following confrontations between police forces and protesters during a shutdown in the region.

The shutdown in Leh occurred amid growing calls for expediting proposed discussions with the Central government regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule and statehood status for Ladakh.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta had been scheduled to attend the festival's closing ceremony, which began on Sunday.

"The Union Territory of Ladakh's administration has announced the cancellation of the final day and closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival due to unavoidable circumstances. The administration expresses deep regret for the inconvenience caused to all stakeholders, including local artists, cultural troupes, tourists, and Ladakh residents who were eagerly anticipating the event," stated the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Officials requested public cooperation and understanding, while expressing gratitude for the tremendous support and participation the festival had received.

According to the statement, the Ladakh festival has functioned as a crucial platform enabling young and emerging artists from the region to display their talents and develop their abilities, with the broader aim of promoting and enhancing the tourism sector throughout the Union Territory.