Situation in Ladakh peaceful

Kargil, Oct 6: The situation in Ladakh Monday remained peaceful as the schools up to class 12 remained open and the markets too functioned normally.

The schools were closed after the violent protests in Leh on September 24. The administration ordered opening of schools up to class 8 on Thursday, followed by schools up to class 12 on Monday.

However, the Internet services remained suspended. The Ladakh administration is lifting the restrictions in a phased manner. The deployment of security forces at sensitive places continued.

Officials said that all the schools reopened on Monday and the situation remained peaceful with markets fully open.

Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, who is continuously monitoring the overall situation in Ladakh after the violent protests, on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in the Union Territory.

Senior officials of the UT Ladakh, including the Chief Secretary, DGP Ladakh and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The LG was briefed about the overall situation in Ladakh, particularly in violence-hit Leh. Officials said that the UT remained peaceful, with schools, offices, and markets reopened.

The Lieutenant Governor asked officials to remain vigilant and focus on peace and development.

Meanwhile, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) claimed that the situation was far from normal and demanded the immediate lifting of all curbs and the release of detainees to restore the confidence of people.

Addressing a press conference, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay said, “What appears normal on the surface is just an illusion.”

“Nothing is normal as the internet continues to remain suspended and mass arrests are also going on,” Dorjay, flanked by other members of the LAB, alleged.

He said the government should immediately lift all restrictions, release all those detained and restore mobile internet services to reinstate the confidence of the people.

“Such measures are imperative to bring Ladakh back to normal.” Dorjay said and accused the government of harassing numberdars (village heads), who had earlier informed the people about the LAB-led hunger strike from September 10 to September 24, in support of its demands, including statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

“They (numberdars) are an important part of our culture and are being harassed without any justification. We condemn such action and consider it an attack on our culture,” he said, asking the administration to desist from such actions.

He said the detention of community leaders would not help restore peace, urging the administration to release all detained persons.

The LAB reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing peaceful struggle in support of its demands.

Meanwhile, while chairing the security review meeting, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the cooperation of the local populace and commended the security forces for their dedicated efforts in ensuring stability. He emphasised the need for coordinated action to uphold law and order while promoting growth and prosperity in Ladakh.

A government spokesperson said that LG Gupta reiterated the importance of community participation in maintaining peace and harmony. He urged citizens to stay alert, report any suspicious activities and continue supporting the administration and security forces in safeguarding the region.

He emphasised that public vigilance was a key pillar of Ladakh’s stability and development.

The Lieutenant Governor, according to the spokesperson, also highlighted the significance of Ladakh’s unique cultural and environmental heritage, urging residents to protect their traditions while contributing positively to the UT’s growth.

“Peaceful coexistence and active community engagement will ensure that Ladakh continues to prosper safely,” he stated.

LG Gupta assured that the administration was committed to balancing security measures with the daily needs of citizens, ensuring minimal disruption to normal life while enhancing public safety infrastructure.

He encouraged people to actively participate in local initiatives aimed at fostering social harmony and sustainable development.

Kavinder Gupta emphasised that Ladakh’s progress depended on the joint efforts of the government, security forces and citizens.

“He appealed to everyone to maintain patience, cooperate with authorities and uphold the values of unity and peace that have long defined the region. He said that a vigilant, informed and responsible public was the cornerstone of a secure and thriving Ladakh,” spokesperson said.