Leh Markets Reopen as Curfew Eases Following Deadly Protests for Ladakh Statehood

People are visible on Leh streets following the relaxation of curfew measures

Residents of Leh City in Ladakh experienced relief as curfew restrictions eased on Thursday. The urban areas became busy with vehicles and pedestrians after shops reopened, following the administration's decision to permit relaxed movement.

Markets have been authorized to operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm today, bringing welcome respite to citizens who can finally venture outside their homes. One local resident mentioned, "The markets remained closed for an entire week."

The unrest originated from demonstrations demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which subsequently escalated into confrontations between protesters and police forces in Leh.

Previously, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta assured that the Central government is actively working to "fulfill all the hopes of Ladakh" and expressed optimism that the "matter will be resolved soon."

"The protest leaders are now engaging in discussions with the administration, and considering recent developments, we can continue dialogue at the table. Once we establish such an environment, formal talks will commence. The administration has made efforts to represent public interests... I've been stationed here for two months and haven't declined any meeting requests. People are receptive to my communications and are working toward solutions," Gupta explained to ANI.

LG Gupta confirmed that the administration is implementing measures to create employment opportunities and is also making efforts to engage citizens across various sectors.

"Job creation initiatives are underway here. We have advertised roughly 1,000 positions. We are also working to involve people in tourism, education, and health sectors. There are 18,000 MSME units currently engaging over 50,000 individuals," LG Gupta stated.

Additionally, LG Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to assess the current law and order situation in the Union Territory. The meeting included Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal, DIG Srinagar South PK Singh, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Senior Superintendent of Police Leh Sanjay Kumar, CO 79, Rajat Jain, CO 25, and other senior officials. These officials provided the Lt Governor with updates on the security situation and measures taken to maintain peace and stability across the region.

The violent incidents on September 24 resulted in four casualties during police action, after protesters set fire to a political party office.