Curfew clamped in Ladakh

Leh, Sep 24: Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday blamed "vested interests" for the violence that led to the death of four people in the Union Territory, as he announced a curfew to prevent more bloodshed and vowed action against the guilty.

"A curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure. People have lost their lives here, and I express my condolences to their families. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties," Gupta said, addressing the people of Ladakh.

Gupta termed that day's events heart-wrenching.

He said what happened today was not spontaneous and was the result of a conspiracy. "We will not spare those people who have spoiled the atmosphere here."

"For the past few days, a hunger strike has been going on in Ladakh. And we know that the hunger strike is a part of a democratic system. But, for the past couple of days, the way people were being incited by comparing the situation with that of Nepal and Bangladesh (uprising). Some people said they will set everything on fire and kill people … this is against the democratic system," he said, referring to the protest led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

The Lt Governor of Ladakh said the central government had already invited the Ladakh representatives for talks on October 6, and the members of these very groups were involved in the clashes.

"A group of protesters, after attending the discussions, went around and indulged in arson and stone-pelting, which is not the tradition of Ladakh. I have complete faith that the people who are behind this will be identified. They have come to spoil the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh, and they are directly responsible for all that has happened," he said.

"All our policemen were given sticks in their hands. But an attempt was made to burn the CRPF personnel sitting inside their vehicle. What kind of justice is this? Will we let our soldiers die like this?" he said, adding, some people also threw stones at the vehicle of the Director General of Police.

"Are there no conspirators behind this? I want to say this to the peaceful people of Ladakh. Please understand this. Some people are trying to spoil the security system of Ladakh for their petty interests," he said.

Asserting that he stood with the people of Ladakh, especially the youth, the Lt Governor said he had never refused anyone coming to meet him.

"The way we are thinking about their future, whether through tourism, education, health, or creating new jobs, is before everyone. Some people are trying to spoil the future of youth by ensuring registration of cases against them. We need to understand this," he said.

The Lt Governor appealed to the people of Ladakh and its political and religious bodies to cooperate with the administration and identify the culprits of Wednesday's violence.

"Let us all come together and establish a peaceful Ladakh," he said.

SECTION 163 IN PLACE IN LEH

District Magistrate, Leh, Romil Singh Donk, on Wednesday promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Leh district of Ladakh, banning assembly of five or more persons.

Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk issued the order and said, "As notice cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex parte. Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 223 of BNS."

Under section 163 of the BNSS, he said, no procession, rally, or march shall be carried out without the prior written approval of the competent authority.

"No one shall use a vehicle-mounted or other loudspeaker without prior approval from the competent authority. No one shall make any statements which have the potential to disturb public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problems in the district," Donk said, adding that assembly of five or more persons shall remain prohibited within the jurisdiction of the entire district.

Citing reasons for the implementation of the order, the district magistrate said it has been brought to his notice that there is an apprehension of disturbances to public peace and tranquility, danger to human life, and a possibility of law and order problems.

"I am satisfied that immediate prevention and remedial measures are necessary to maintain public order and tranquility," he said.