Leh: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has announced a two-hour silent march and a three-hour blackout across Ladakh on October 18 to express solidarity with the families of four people who lost their lives, as well as those critically injured, in last month’s violence.
In a statement, LAB said the peaceful demonstration also aims to protest the delay in releasing the detained youth.
Earlier this week, the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) jointly announced fresh protests to press their demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. They also reiterated their preconditions, including a judicial inquiry into the recent violence, before resuming talks with New Delhi.
Following an emergency meeting, LAB confirmed that the silent march will begin at 11 a.m. from Namgiyal Chowk to Shanti Stupa in Leh, followed by a blackout from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “The objective is to convey to the world that Ladakh remains peaceful and united,” the statement said.
Similar demonstrations will take place in Kargil and at block levels across the region. The LAB emphasized that there will be no placards, slogans, or speeches during the march, and participants will wear black armbands as a symbol of “resistance, anger, and solidarity” with the victims.
As a mark of mourning, the LAB also urged the public to refrain from using music systems and traditional instruments such as Daman and Surna during weddings or other celebrations for the next three months.
