‘Forces fired in self-defence to prevent widespread destruction; Sonam’s Pak link being probed’
Leh, Sep 27: Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh, Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal on Saturday said the recent unrest in Leh was unprecedented and could have devastated the town if security forces hadn’t opened fire. He blamed certain groups with ulterior motives and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence.
September 24 violence in Leh left four dead and around 70–80 civilians and security personnel injured, seven critically, with one girl airlifted to Delhi.
Addressing a press conference here, Jamwal, as per the news agency, said the unrest in Leh on September 24 involved a crowd estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 people. He said the group damaged government buildings and party offices, threw stones, and assaulted security personnel.
The violence resulted in four deaths and injuries to both paramilitary forces and civilians, he added.
The DGP placed the incident in the context of ongoing demands for Sixth Schedule status and statehood since Ladakh became a Union Territory. He said the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been engaged with the central government through committees and sub-committees over a prolonged period.
“Discussions were scheduled in Delhi for September 25–26, but the protest on September 24 escalated after anti-social elements joined the crowd,” he said, adding that environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was booked by police, and others tried to use the platform to disrupt law and order and influence protesters, contributing to the large-scale unrest.
“We recently arrested a Pakistan PIO who had been in contact with Sonam Wangchuk and was sending reports abroad. Our records show he attended an event organised by Dawn in Pakistan and also travelled to Bangladesh. His activities raise serious questions, and the investigation is ongoing,” Jamwal said, adding that the hunger protest became a stage where such elements interfered with ongoing dialogue.
Detailing the attacks, the DGP said CRPF personnel and local police came under direct assault. One CRPF jawan sustained a serious spinal injury, while four women police personnel were inside a building that was set on fire, he said, adding that a larger mob later attacked the same building, and security forces fired in self-defence, resulting in four deaths.
On the first day, 32 people were severely injured, including 17 CRPF and 15 Ladakh Police personnel. Jamwal said the total number of injuries eventually rose to 70–80 among both security personnel and civilians.
Seven civilians were reported in critical condition, and one girl was airlifted to Delhi for treatment, while 6–7 others remained hospitalised in Ladakh.
The DGP said he was also attacked but sustained only minor injuries.
He said the deployment of CRPF forces prevented wider destruction. “Had the CRPF not been present, the entire town could have been engulfed in fire,” he said, adding that large-scale deployments require careful planning and coordination.
On claims that foreign nationals were involved in the violent protest, Jamwal said authorities are investigating the matter and will act according to the law. “Any Nepalese citizens found innocent will not face arrests or charges,” he added—(KNO).
Curbs eased in phases, shops reopen for limited hours
Srinagar/Leh, Sep 27: Curbs imposed in Leh have been eased in phases on Saturday as the shops reopened in the markets for the limited hours, giving an indication of returning to normalcy.
While many shops remain closed and schools continue to be shut, a controlled routine has started returning as authorities ease restrictions in phases.
Days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status rocked Ladakh, killing four and injuring over more than 60, the district is still under restrictions, but with a slight relaxation today.
Curfew remained in place and gatherings of more than five people are still banned under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), though essential movement is now being permitted. The security forces continue to maintain a close watch across the region.
He added that earlier he had not earned a single rupee during the shutdown week, but now hopes sales will gradually pick up.
Schools continued to remain closed while the vehicular movement was also thin on the roads.
Earlier, an order issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, stated that shops selling groceries and vegetables are now allowed to open under a fixed schedule: from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Leh town and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM in peripheral areas like Choglamsar, Phyang and Spituk.
The order mentions: “In view of the prevailing situation and to ensure access to essential goods and services, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate, Leh. After deliberation, the following decisions were taken to open only the shops of grocery items and vegetables as per the following schedule…”
The directive also states that traffic police and magistrates will monitor the movement of vehicles to ensure smooth implementation.
Meanwhile, traders from outside Ladakh who have close ties with the region also look forward to a full revival. Farooq Khan, a trader from Baramulla, said the reopening of some activity is encouraging.
“We used to bring goods here every month. The past days were tough with business completely halted. But now that transport may soon resume, we hope trade gets back on track. More than business, we just pray for everyone’s safety,” he said.
