Leh administration withdraws restrictions after 22 days

Kargil, Oct 15: The authorities on Wednesday lifted the restrictions, imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in Leh district of Ladakh Union Territory, 22 days after they were imposed in the wake of violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh, officials said.

According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, the restrictions were initially imposed on September 24, 2025, to prevent any potential breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquillity.

The order cited concerns about public order at the time.

However, a recent assessment by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, indicated that there was no longer any apprehension of a breach of peace or disturbance to public order. The Police recommended that the curbs be withdrawn.

“In view of the latest report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, which confirms that there is no imminent apprehension of breach of peace and public order, the restrictions imposed under Section 163 BNSS, 2023, are hereby withdrawn with immediate effect,” the order stated.

On September 24, the district administration had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning the assembly of five or more persons.

“Since then, no incidence of violence has been reported and complete normalcy has been restored,” officials said.