Tense calm in Ladakh
Kargil, Sep 25: An eerie calm prevailed across Ladakh on Thursday with massive deployment of Police and paramilitary forces in Leh and Kargil following Wednesday’s violent protests in which four civilians were killed and over 80 were injured.
Authorities imposed curfew in Leh and prohibitory restrictions in Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Padam, Changthang, Drass, and Lamayuru to prevent further unrest.
The protests erupted after two elderly participants of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike were hospitalised, prompting the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to call for demonstrations.
What began as a protest over the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status descended into arson and clashes as mobs set ablaze the BJP office, vandalised the LAHDC building, and damaged vehicles.
Security forces responded with tear-gas shelling and aerial firing.
The four persons who were killed in protests were identified as Tsewang Tharchin, 46, of Skurbuchan, a retired soldier of 3 Ladakh Scouts Regiment; Stanzin Namgyal, 24, of Igoo; Jigmet Dorjay, 25, of Kharnakling; and Rinchen Dadul, 21, of Hanu.
Their bodies were handed over to families after LAB leaders paid tributes at SNM Hospital.
LAB Chairman Chering Dorjey said the cremations would take place in Leh as per family wishes.
He said that seven injured persons were admitted to a hospital, with one critical patient being airlifted to Delhi for advanced treatment with LAB’s assistance.
Curfew continued in Leh on Thursday, with all roads barricaded.
The District Magistrate ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, coaching centres, and Anganwadi centres for two days.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were issued in both Leh and Kargil districts, banning assembly of five or more persons, use of loudspeakers, and provocative speeches or statements.
Police said at least 50 people were detained after scrutinising CCTV footage and other evidence. “The situation in curfew-bound areas is under control. No fresh incidents have been reported,” an official said.
He said that three of the injured were Nepali nationals, and the Police were probing possible foreign links in the violence.
In Kargil, a complete shutdown was observed on the call of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to protest the killings in Leh and to press for their four-point agenda of statehood, Sixth Schedule safeguards, job security, and reservation guarantees.
Shops, offices, and transport services remained closed as security forces were deployed across the district.
Officials confirmed that the day-long bandh passed off peacefully.
Addressing media persons, KDA co-chairman and former legislator Asghar Ali Karbalai demanded a judicial probe into the Leh firing incident.
“Four innocent civilians have been killed, and 12 others are still critical. Instead of remorse, the government has launched a witch hunt, raiding homes and beating youth. Stop harassing protesters. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.
KDA leader Sajjad Hussain Kargili condemned the use of force, calling it “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
He said people in Ladakh had been facing insecurity and unemployment for the last six years.
“Violence has no place in our society, but the government must take restrained and sensible steps. Resume dialogue and fulfill the promises of statehood and Sixth Schedule,” he said.
The KDA, in a joint statement, expressed solidarity with the people of Leh, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and thanked the people of Kargil, religious organisations, civil society groups, and trade bodies including Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil, Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust Kargil, Anjuman-e-Sahab-uz-Zaman, Anjuman-e-Inqalab-e-Mehdi, Anjuman-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Anjuman-e-Norrbakshiya Sofiya, Kargil Buddhist Association, LAHDC Kargil, Bar Association Kargil, All Kargil Contractors Association, All Kargil Merchants Association, All Kargil Mazda Bus Union, All Kargil Taxi Union, Kargil Omni and Eco Van Union, All Kargil Truck Union, All Kargil Mini Bus Union, All Kargil Bus Union, All Kargil Tata Mobile Association, All Kargil Travel and Trade Association, SEMOK, Press Club Ladakh and Kargil for making the bandh a “success.”
It urged the Centre to “respect the democratic aspirations of Ladakh, stop witch-hunting of youth leaders, and demonstrate restraint and responsibility.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleged that the violence was fuelled by “provocative statements” and “politically motivated individuals” unhappy with progress in talks with Ladakhi groups.
It reiterated that the government was committed to providing “adequate constitutional safeguards” to Ladakhis and announced that the next round of talks with LAB and KDA representatives would be held in New Delhi on October 6.
Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta termed the killings “heart-wrenching” but alleged a conspiracy behind the unrest.
“Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, but what happened was not spontaneous. Curfew has been imposed as a precaution to prevent further casualties,” he said.
Sonam Wangchuk, who cut short his 14-day hunger strike after the violence, appealed to the youth to maintain calm.
“This is the saddest day for Ladakh. We do not want instability in Ladakh or the country. Violence only harms our cause,” he said in an online news conference.
LAB Chairman Chering Dorjey said that a preparatory meeting of LAB and KDA delegations would be held in Delhi on September 27 ahead of talks with MHA.
He said that LAB would provide legal support to those detained during the protests.
Meanwhile, officials said the overall situation in Ladakh remained tense but peaceful on Thursday, with no fresh incidents reported.
