LEH: A Home Ministry team conducted a series of meetings in Leh on Friday to assess the security situation as the curfew entered its third consecutive day, officials said. No untoward incidents were reported.
The curfew, imposed Wednesday evening, followed widespread violence during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to press for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The unrest had left four people dead and around 90 injured.
“The overall security situation remained peaceful across Ladakh. Restrictions are likely to be eased later in the day to allow residents to purchase essential items,” a police official said.
Over 50 people were detained in connection with the clashes, while strict prohibitory orders, banning gatherings of five or more, continued in other towns, including Kargil. Police and paramilitary forces in riot gear patrolled the largely deserted streets to maintain law and order. Residents in several areas reported shortages of essentials, including rations, milk, and vegetables.
Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk announced that all government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions would remain closed for two days from Friday. Anganwadi centres will also remain shut.
Officials said a high-level Home Ministry team arrived in Leh on Thursday to review the situation. They met 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 scheduled in New Delhi on September 27 or 28 (subject to confirmation). Three representatives each from the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), along with Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan, will attend. This will be followed by a formal meeting of a High Powered Committee with seven members each from LAB and KDA to discuss a four-point agenda.
LAB and KDA have jointly led an agitation over the past four years demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule extension, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and a Public Service Commission. Past talks with the government have led to agreements on job guarantees and an additional Lok Sabha seat, leaving statehood and Sixth Schedule demands unresolved. The next round of talks with the Centre is scheduled for October 6.
Meanwhile, shops and businesses reopened in Kargil on Friday after a one-day closure in response to a KDA call. Police maintained a strong presence, patrolling sensitive areas of the town.
