LEH, Sept 26: Leh town remained under curfew for the third consecutive day on Friday following violent protests that erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The unrest, which occurred on Wednesday, left four people dead and 90 others injured.
Officials said the overall security situation across Ladakh remained peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported. Restrictions are expected to be relaxed later in the day to allow residents to purchase essential commodities. Over 50 people have been detained, and prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more people continue in other major towns, including Kargil.
Police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets in riot gear, while residents reported shortages of essential supplies such as milk, vegetables, and ration. In response, Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and anganwadi centers for two days.
A high-level team from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) visited Leh on Thursday to review the security situation. The delegation held meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, civil and police officials, and representatives of the LAB.
“The preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry will take place in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, subject to confirmation. It will include three representatives each from the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan. This will be followed by a High Powered Committee meeting to discuss the four-point agenda,” stated a joint release by LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay.
The LAB and KDA have been advocating for statehood, Sixth Schedule extension, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission. While previous talks have secured job guarantees and an additional Lok Sabha seat, the primary focus remains on statehood and constitutional protections. The next official round of discussions with the Centre is scheduled for October 6.
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments reopened in Kargil on Friday after a day-long closure in response to a KDA call, with police patrolling sensitive areas to ensure security.