Leh, October 6:
The Ladakh administration claimed on Monday that normalcy was returning to the Union Territory of Ladakh. The schools, offices, and markets are reopened. However, the Leh Apex Body rejected this claim, saying that any perceived sense of normalcy was merely an illusion. The LAB demanded an immediate end to all arrests and the lifting of restrictions.
“The internet is still shut down, and mass arrests are taking place. How can the situation ever be considered normal?” LAB co-chair Charing Dorjee said at a press conference.
On September 24, violence broke out during a protest by the LAB and KDA demanding statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, leaving four people dead and several injured. Following this, a curfew and internet services were imposed in the region.
Although the administration gradually lifted the curfew and reopened schools up to grade 8 on October 3, Section 144 remains in effect and mobile internet service has not been restored.
The LG’s office stated in an official post, “Ladakh is now peaceful. Schools, offices, and markets have reopened. LG Kavinder Gupta is constantly reviewing security and has instructed officials to remain vigilant.”
Meanwhile, the LAB accused the administration of intimidating and detaining village heads, stating that they were merely providing information to the public and not engaging in any provocative activities.