Leh curfew eased for four hours after last rites of 4 persons who died in violent clashes on Sept 24
PTC Web Desk: The authorities in Leh have announced a temporary relaxation of the week-long curfew, allowing shops to open for four hours from 10 am on Tuesday, officials confirmed. Earlier, restrictions had been eased for two hours from 4 pm, shortly after the completion of the last rites of four persons, including a retired Army personnel, who lost their lives during violent clashes between protesters and the police on September 24.
A senior police official stated that decisions on further easing of curfew in sensitive areas would depend on the situation as the day progresses. During the current relaxation, groceries, essential service outlets, hardware stores, and vegetable shops have been permitted to operate, according to Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Mohammed.
The official added that apart from the violent incidents on Wednesday, no untoward events were reported across Leh. Police and paramilitary forces remain deployed in sensitive areas, ensuring strict vigilance to maintain law and order.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been conducting high-level security review meetings nearly every day. On Monday, he appealed to the public to maintain peace, describing it as the "cornerstone of development." Gupta emphasised the importance of unity and harmony, urging citizens not to fall prey to anti-social or anti-national elements. He also promised to address all legitimate grievances through dialogue and democratic channels.
The administration has also been directed to strengthen intelligence gathering, maintain regular community engagement, and ensure swift redressal of public concerns to build trust between authorities and residents.
Meanwhile, mobile internet services remain suspended in Leh town, and prohibitory orders restricting the assembly of five or more people continue in other key areas of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
The curfew was initially imposed on the evening of September 24, following violent protests called by a faction of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding talks with the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule extension for Ladakh. Over 60 persons, including two councillors, were taken into custody. Among them, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and lodged in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
- With inputs from agencies
