Authorities impose Section 144 of CrPC in Leh district

Kargil, Apr 5: The authorities in Leh district of Ladakh Union Territory have imposed section 144 of CrPC 1973 to maintain peace in the area. Besides the mobile internet data services have also been reduced to 2G in Ladakh.

As per an order issued by the District Magistrate Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve no procession/rally/march or any gathering shall be allowed without the prior approval of the District Magistrate, Leh, in writing. The order has been issued ahead of the proposed “ Pashmina March” to border areas called by prominent social-environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and Apex Body Leh.

"Whereas, Sr Superintendent of Police, Leh, vide letter No.PA/Spl/2024-5870-72, dated 05- 04-2024, has reported that there are reliable inputs of apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquility in the district; and Whereas, it is desirable that any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility and danger to human life should be immediately prevented.

Therefore, I, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, District Magistrate, Leh satisfied with the report of Sr Superintendent of Police, Leh and in exercise of powers vested in me under Section 144 of CrPC, 1973, issue the following directions that No procession/rally/march etc. shall be taken out by anyone without the prior approval of the District Magistrate, Leh, in writing. No one shall use the vehicles mounted or other loudspeakers without prior approval from the competent authority. No public gathering, without the prior approval of the competent authority shall be allowed. No one shall make any statements, which has potential to disturb the communal harmony, public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problem in the district" the order reads.

It further said that, all the persons shall ensure that they follow the model code of conduct and that all the activities are according to the law .Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under Section-188 of the Indian Penal Code. Further, In view of the present scenario in Ladakh, authorities have decided to reduce internet speed to 2G.

"In view of present emergent security scenario in the UT of Ladakh and inputs received from Superintendent of Police District Leh and other intelligence agencies, there is every apprehension of possibility misuse of Mobile Data (2G,3G,4G, 5G & Public Wi-fi Facilities of 5G) Services by anti-social elements and miscreants to incite/provoke general public through various means of social media posts which may cause and flare up Law & Order situation in the UT of Ladakh especially in District Leh.

Now therefore, upon consideration of the various aspects and inputs, I, Dr Shiv Darshan Singh-IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Head of Police, U.T Ladakh being as authorized officer to exercise the powers vested under Sub rule (1) of Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public emergency of Public Safety) Rule 2017, am satisfied that it is absolutely necessary to reduce the Mobile Data Services upto 2G, thereby suspending the mobile data of 3G, 4G,5G & Public Wi-fi facilities 5G temporarily in the interest of Maintenance of public Peace, Law & Order in the Union Territory of Ladakh" reads the order issued by ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal.

"Hence, it is hereby ordered to Scale Down the Internet Speed/Mobile Data Services of 3G, 4G, 5G & Public Wi-fi facilities 5G) to 2G in Leh city (Latitude 34.149722 and longitude 77.575) within the 10 km radius w.e.f 1800 Hrs on 06-04-2024 to 1800 Hrs on 07.04.2024," it reads further.

It is pertinent to mention that, a proposed “Pashmina March” to Changthang area along the Line of control called by Apex Body Leh and Prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has been scheduled on April 7 in Leh.