Leh, Sept 30: Curfew in Leh town, imposed after violent protests on September 24, was relaxed for seven hours from 10 AM on Tuesday, allowing markets and essential services to reopen and providing relief to residents affected by a week-long lockdown, officials said.
Earlier, curfew restrictions were eased for two hours on Monday following the last rites of four people, including a retired Army personnel, who were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. A police official said no untoward incident was reported on Tuesday, with police and paramilitary forces maintaining a strict vigil in sensitive areas.
The curfew relaxation initially extended from 10 AM to 2 PM, later prolonged depending on emerging circumstances. The Additional District Magistrate in Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, permitted the opening of groceries, vegetable shops, hardware stores, and other essential services during the relaxation period. Mobile internet services remain suspended, and prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more continue in other parts of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, who has chaired daily high-level security review meetings, urged citizens to maintain peace and unity, calling it “the cornerstone of development.” He commended the people of Leh for their restraint and pledged to address legitimate grievances through dialogue and democratic processes.
The curfew followed violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body, demanding statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule. Over 60 individuals, including councillors and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, remain in custody.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP called for a thorough probe into the clashes to ensure accountability and justice while demanding the release of those charged with minor offences. The party appealed to citizens to uphold peace, resist misinformation, and cooperate with authorities to foster harmony and reconciliation in the region. (Agencies)
