Leh, Sep 27: Curfew remained in force for the fourth consecutive day in violence-hit Leh town of Ladakh on Saturday, as police and paramilitary forces intensified patrolling following the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) the previous day.
The administration, led by the Lt Governor, justified Wangchuk’s detention, saying his series of alleged provocative speeches—including references to the Nepal agitation and the Arab Spring—sparked Wednesday’s violence that left four dead and scores injured. “The detention of Wangchuk was important to restore normalcy and prevent him from further acting in a manner prejudicial to public order,” officials said.
No untoward incidents were reported in Ladakh during the past 24 hours, but strict curfew and prohibitory orders remain in force in Leh, Kargil, and other sensitive areas. Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta is chairing a high-level security review at Raj Bhavan, and any decision to relax restrictions will be taken accordingly.
Patrolling and checking by police and paramilitary forces have been intensified, while raids continue to apprehend absconding rioters, including a councillor alleged to have instigated the violence. More than 50 persons have been detained following the clashes.
The Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Ladakh, said Wangchuk had repeatedly engaged in activities “prejudicial to the security of the state and detrimental to maintenance of peace and essential services.” Despite government efforts to hold meetings under the High-Powered Committee (HPC), Wangchuk continued his hunger strike from September 10, which authorities say led to the violent protests on September 24, including burning of institutions, buildings, and vehicles, and attacks on police personnel.
The administration decided to detain Wangchuk under the NSA and transfer him to Jodhpur prison in Rajasthan, citing specific intelligence inputs and the need to maintain law and order in Leh. (Agencies)
