Leh limps back to normalcy

Kargil, Oct 1: Leh, which witnessed violent protests on September 24, is gradually returning to normalcy as the administration has eased restrictions and is allowing people to resume some daily routine activities.

On Wednesday, the district administration announced the relaxation in curfew and ordered the opening of markets and shops for almost full day from 10 am till 6 pm. It was for the first time the curfew relaxation for almost full day and the relaxation period passed off peacefully.

During the day, people were seen thronging markets to buy food and other items. However, the deployment of security forces remained in the entire area particularly in sensitive areas.

“Although life is not yet completely back to normal, the partial resumption of activities has brought some relief and some people visited shops today,” said Motup, a local resident.

He added that the reopening of shops and resumption of some normal activities was a positive sign.

However, it may take some time for life to return to complete normalcy. Officials said the situation remained by and large normal with no untoward incident reported from anywhere during the last four days, following the relaxation in curfew.

The curfew was imposed on Wednesday (September 24) evening following widespread protests during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to advance talks with the Centre on the demands for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Four persons were killed and scores of others injured in the violence on Wednesday (September 24), while over 50 persons were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in rioting. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was also detained under the National Security Act and lodged in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Kavinder Gupta Wednesday chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the prevailing situation in Ladakh. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal; Director General of Police Dr S D Singh Jamwal; DIG Srinagar South P K Singh; Deputy Commissioner Leh; Senior Superintendent of Police Leh and other senior officials.

The officials briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the latest security scenario and the measures undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.

LG lauded the relentless efforts of security forces and the civil administration in restoring normalcy over the past week under challenging circumstances. He also expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation shown by the people of Ladakh.

Reviewing the welfare measures, LG Kavinder Gupta enquired about the condition of the remaining injured undergoing treatment at the government hospital. He directed the administration and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care. He further directed the Deputy Commissioner that, in cases where advanced medical treatment was required outside the UT, the administration must provide all possible humanitarian aid and financial support so that no individual faced hardship or felt neglected.

LG Gupta urged people not to pay heed to rumours or misinformation and assured them that peace and harmony would be safeguarded at all costs. He emphasised that the administration, along with security forces, was fully committed to maintaining peace, law, and order across the Union Territory.

The Lieutenant Governor further assured that very soon all restrictions imposed as precautionary measures would be lifted in a phased manner once the situation fully stabilised.

“Peace and development are the top priorities of the administration. Together, with the cooperation of the people, Ladakh will continue on the path of progress,” he added.