Ladakh curfew enters Day 3; situation peaceful and no new untoward incidents reported
PTC Web Desk: Leh town in Ladakh continued under curfew for the third consecutive day on Friday, following widespread unrest that left four persons dead and at least 90 injured during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule extension for Ladakh, officials said.
The authorities reported no new untoward incidents, with the overall security situation in the region described as peaceful. Restrictions are expected to ease later in the day to allow residents access to essential commodities.
Over 50 persons were detained during the clashes, while prohibitory orders preventing the assembly of five or more people remained in effect in Leh and other major towns, including Kargil. Police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear continued patrolling the largely empty streets to maintain law and order.
Residents in many areas reported shortages of essential supplies such as milk, vegetables and rations. Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk announced the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, and anganwari centres for two days starting Friday.
A high-level team from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) arrived in Leh on Thursday to assess the security situation. The team held meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, civil and police officials, and representatives of the LAB.
According to a joint statement by LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay, a preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry is planned in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, subject to confirmation. This meeting will include three representatives each from the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) along with Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan.
Following this, the MHA will hold an official meeting with a high-powered committee comprising seven members each from the LAB and KDA, focusing on a four-point agenda.
The LAB and KDA have been leading a four-year-long agitation demanding statehood, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha constituencies for Leh and Kargil, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission. Previous talks with the government have resulted in agreements on job guarantees and the additional Lok Sabha seat, leaving statehood and Sixth Schedule demands unresolved. The next round of talks is scheduled for October 6.
Meanwhile, in Kargil, shops and businesses reopened on Friday after a day-long closure following a KDA call. However, the police continued patrolling sensitive areas to ensure security.
- With inputs from agencies
