Silent March Blocked in Leh, Held Peacefully in Kargil; Leaders Welcome Judicial Probe
Leh: A silent march planned jointly by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to press for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule was thwarted in Leh on Saturday as authorities imposed strict security measures and suspended mobile internet services.
However, in Kargil, the march proceeded peacefully, with KDA leaders condemning the restrictions in Leh while welcoming the judicial probe announced into the September 24 firing incident, which claimed several lives and left many injured.
Officials said heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was made in Leh and nearby areas following the call for a two-hour silent march from 10 am and a three-hour blackout from 6 pm across Ladakh to express solidarity with victims of the September 24 violence and those allegedly detained.
Citing law and order concerns, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, suspended mobile internet services, and ordered the closure of educational institutions in Leh.
“We had called for a peaceful march to highlight our demands, but the administration used force instead of dialogue,” said Ashraf Ali Barcha, president of Anjuman Imamia and LAB member. “The government should engage in talks rather than suppressing voices through such curbs,” he added.
Abdul Qayoom, head of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, claimed that LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay was placed under house arrest and appealed to people not to attempt gathering at the venue due to heavy security. “We do not want confrontation. The talks with the central government must continue. We will meet again to decide our next step,” he said.
In contrast, Kargil witnessed a massive yet peaceful turnout. Hundreds, led by KDA leaders Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, marched from Hussaini Park to the main bus stand, passing through the town’s main market. Participants wore black bands and carried placards reiterating their demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.
Addressing the gathering, Sajjad Kargili said, “We welcome the Centre’s decision to order a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence. We also urge the government to unconditionally release all detainees, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed and injured.”
Later, Karbalai condemned the curbs in Leh, calling them “unacceptable to the peace-loving people of Ladakh.” He added, “We support the judicial inquiry but expect two more steps before dialogue resumes—compensation for victims and release of detainees. Talks must focus solely on statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.”
Karbalai asserted that the people of Ladakh would not back down: “We are neither tired nor afraid. We are ready for any sacrifice for our rightful demands.”
He also thanked civil society groups across India for their support after the Leh violence and demanded strict action against those who “maligned the image of Ladakhis by branding them anti-national.”
