Leh: Curfew Eased in Violence-Hit Town; Markets Reopen
Authorities in Leh town of Ladakh relaxed the curfew for nearly the entire day on Tuesday, allowing markets to gradually reopen and providing relief to residents after a week-long lockdown, officials said.
Earlier, restrictions had been eased for two hours on Monday afternoon, following the completion of the last rites of four individuals—including a retired Army personnel—who were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces on September 24.
“Except for the violence last Wednesday, no untoward incidents have been reported. Police and paramilitary forces remain deployed in sensitive areas, maintaining strict vigilance to ensure law and order,” a police official said.
The curfew was initially lifted from 10 AM to 2 PM and later extended until 5 PM. With the situation largely peaceful, authorities did not impose restrictions after 5 PM, though shopkeepers voluntarily closed their establishments at the end of the relaxation period. While markets saw significant footfall and vehicles moved freely, educational institutions remained closed.
Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Mohammed had earlier permitted the opening of grocery stores, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops during the relaxation period. On Saturday, the curfew was eased for two separate two-hour windows in different areas for the first time.
Officials noted that mobile internet services remained suspended in Leh, and prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more people are still in force in major parts of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, who has been chairing daily high-level security review meetings, appealed to the public to maintain peace, describing it as “the cornerstone of development.” He commended citizens for their restraint, assured that legitimate grievances would be addressed through dialogue and democratic means, and directed enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and swift grievance redressal to strengthen trust between the administration and residents.
The curfew was imposed on the evening of September 24 after violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding talks with the Centre on statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. More than 60 individuals, including two councillors and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk—detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and lodged in Jodhpur jail—were taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and justice, while urging the release of those charged with minor offences. Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, the party appealed for peace, unity, and harmony, emphasizing the importance of resisting misinformation and supporting efforts toward healing and reconciliation.
