Ladakh Tourism Industry Faces Severe Downturn Following Violent Protests and Ongoing Curfew in Leh

An indefinite curfew was implemented in Leh town on September 24 following violent clashes, severely impacting the local tourism industry.

Leh's tourism sector, already struggling from previous setbacks this season, is now facing additional challenges due to the ongoing curfew following recent violence.

Industry representatives indicated that tourism initially suffered widespread cancellations after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with the current disturbances further eroding traveler confidence in the region.

The indefinite curfew began in Leh town on September 24 after clashes erupted during a shutdown organized by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body, which has been leading a movement demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The violence resulted in four fatalities and over 150 injuries.

Despite a brief four-hour relaxation period on Saturday afternoon, the town has remained under strict curfew for six consecutive days as of Monday, with mobile internet services suspended. These restrictions have prompted booking cancellations and created difficulties for both tourists and local businesses.

"Our guests have been cancelling advance bookings almost daily for the past week. We're experiencing merchandise shortages due to the town's closure since last Wednesday," explained Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager, in a statement to PTI.

Singh, who has worked in Leh for nearly ten years, mentioned this is the first time he has witnessed such disruption in this typically peaceful region. Both tourism professionals and visitors stranded in the Ladakh capital are experiencing significant hardships.

Local transporter Rigzin Dorjey noted that the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives in April had already severely impacted Ladakh's tourism industry, despite the two regions being separate Union Territories.

"The Pahalgam incident virtually paralyzed Ladakh's tourism sector. We only began receiving guests again about a month after Operation Sindoor. Unfortunately, Wednesday's incident has once again dealt us a severe blow," he stated.

Operation Sindoor was initiated by Indian armed forces on May 7 to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack.

A local hotelier, requesting anonymity, expressed that they are hoping for rapid restoration of normalcy as "each day of uncertainty represents lost income for thousands of families dependent on tourism." Tourists currently stranded in the region reported being confined to their accommodations and unable to access popular attractions.

"Upon arriving here, I was shocked to find everything closed. I couldn't even exchange currency or purchase food. My plans to visit Pangong Lake were impossible without the required permit," said Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan.

She expressed hope that the situation would improve quickly so everyone could resume normal activities.

The tourist mentioned that police officers stationed on the empty streets are informing people that restrictions might continue through today as well.

Arpana Dass, who arrived in Leh from Delhi on Sunday, expressed disappointment about closed markets and the lack of mobile internet services.

"The restrictions prevented us from going anywhere. We're hoping everything returns to normal soon," she said.

Another tourist, Shruti, mentioned wanting to explore local traditions, shop, and visit famous sites, but found the current situation very restrictive.

"We came to experience Ladakh's mountains and monasteries, but now we're confined to our rooms. Everyone here is simply wishing for peace to return soon," she remarked.

A police official defended the necessity of the curfew to prevent further disturbances but expressed hope that it would end soon.