Ladakh Conflict Escalates: Restrictions in Leh While Kargil Holds Peaceful March for Statehood Demands

Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in Leh due to fears of disruption to law and order.

In Leh, a planned silent march organized jointly by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) was prevented on Saturday as authorities implemented strict security measures and suspended mobile internet services. The demonstration was part of their ongoing campaign for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule.

Meanwhile, Kargil witnessed a peaceful silent march. KDA leaders criticized the restrictions imposed in Leh while expressing appreciation for the announcement of a judicial investigation into the September 24 firing incident that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Officials reported that police and paramilitary forces were heavily deployed throughout Leh and surrounding areas in response to the call by the two activist groups for a two-hour silent march beginning at 10 am and a three-hour blackout starting at 6 pm across Ladakh. These demonstrations were intended to show solidarity with victims of the September 24 violence, including those who lost their lives, sustained injuries, or were detained.

To maintain public order, authorities implemented prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in Leh, suspended mobile internet connectivity, and ordered educational institutions to close.

"We organized a silent march to peacefully advocate for our demands, but the administration has demonstrated its failure by using its authority to prevent us. They've deployed significant forces and prohibited people from assembling for the march," stated Anjuman Imamia president and LAB member Ashraf Ali Barcha while speaking to reporters.

He emphasized that the government should engage in dialogue with the people rather than imposing restrictions to intimidate them.

Abdul Qayoom, chief of Anjuman Moin ul Islam, alleged that LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay had been placed under house arrest. He urged people not to attempt reaching the march venue given the stringent security measures in place.

"We don't seek confrontation and won't allow anyone to derail negotiations with the central government. We will reconvene to determine our next steps," he added.

In Kargil, hundreds of demonstrators led by KDA leaders, including co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, conducted a peaceful march from Hussaini Park to the main bus stand, proceeding through the main bazaar.

Participants wore black bands and carried placards reiterating their demands for statehood and protections under the sixth schedule.

"We welcome the central government's decision to order a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh. We also request the government to announce unconditional release of all detained individuals, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and provide adequate compensation for the families of the four deceased and those injured," said Sajjad Kargali while addressing the gathering.

In a subsequent press interaction, Karbalai condemned the restrictions imposed on LAB leadership and Leh residents, stating that "such oppressive measures are unacceptable to the peace-loving people of Ladakh."

"We appreciate the judicial inquiry and want the government to take two additional steps before resuming dialogue. We have always favored negotiations—in the past, present, and future. The government should announce compensation for victims and order the release of detained individuals," he stated, adding that discussions should specifically address statehood and the extension of the sixth schedule to Ladakh.

He emphasized that Ladakh's people remain resilient and undeterred. "We are prepared to make any sacrifice necessary for our legitimate demands." Karbalai expressed gratitude to civil society groups across India who supported them following the Leh violence and demanded action against those who attempted to malign Ladakh's residents by labeling them as anti-national.