Ladakh Curfew Relaxed After Week-Long Restrictions: Markets Reopen as Tensions Ease

Following protests that resulted in the detention of over 60 individuals, including two councillors, authorities have eased restrictions in Leh.

In Leh, the curfew was temporarily lifted for seven hours starting from 10 AM on Tuesday, allowing markets to gradually resume operations and providing much-needed relief to residents who had been under restrictions for a week, officials reported.

Previously, restrictions had been briefly eased for two hours from 4 PM on Monday, shortly after funeral services were completed for four individuals, including retired Army personnel, who lost their lives during widespread clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies on September 24.

"Apart from the violence that occurred last Wednesday, no further incidents have been reported. Police and paramilitary forces are heavily deployed in sensitive areas and are maintaining vigilant surveillance to preserve law and order," a police official stated.

The official mentioned that decisions regarding further extensions of the relaxation period would depend on how the situation develops.

Ghulam Mohammed, Additional District Magistrate in Leh, authorized all grocery stores, essential services, hardware shops, and vegetable vendors to operate during the relaxation period.

Previously, on Saturday, the curfew had been relaxed for the first time for two-hour intervals from 1 PM to 3:30 PM in different areas.

Officials confirmed that mobile internet services remain suspended in Leh town, and prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more individuals continue to be enforced in other major regions of the Union Territory, including Kargil.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been conducting high-level security review meetings almost daily. On Monday, he appealed to the public to maintain peace, describing it as "the cornerstone of development."

"I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity and progress," Gupta had stated.

He also commended the public for demonstrating remarkable restraint and commitment during challenging circumstances and promised to address all legitimate issues through dialogue and democratic processes.

The lieutenant governor also issued clear directives for enhanced intelligence gathering, regular community engagement, and swift resolution of public grievances to strengthen trust between the administration and citizens.

The curfew was imposed in Leh town on the evening of September 24 following violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to advance discussions with the Centre regarding demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

More than 60 individuals, including two councillors, were detained following the incident. Among them was climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and subsequently transferred to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident to ensure "accountability and justice."

"At the same time, we demand the immediate release of all innocent persons charged with minor offences," the BJP said in a statement, expressing condolences to the families of those who died.

"Ladakh is known for its beauty and the resilience of its people. We urge everyone in Ladakh to uphold peace and harmony. It is crucial that we do not take law and order into our hands or fall prey to misinformation. Let us work together to ensure that peace prevails," the party stated.

The party appealed to everyone to unite, fostering harmony and cooperation. "We request the cooperation of all citizens in maintaining peace and supporting efforts towards healing and reconciliation," it concluded.