Silent March Foiled in Leh, Held Peacefully in Kargil; Leaders Welcome Judicial Probe

Leh, Oct 18: A planned silent march jointly called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) as part of their agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards was thwarted in Leh on Saturday due to strict security measures, including suspension of mobile internet.

Authorities deployed police and paramilitary forces across Leh and adjoining areas to prevent the two-hour silent march from 10 am and a three-hour blackout from 6 pm, which were intended to express solidarity with victims of the September 24 violence, when several people were killed and many injured or unlawfully detained. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed, and educational institutions were ordered closed to maintain law and order.

LAB leaders condemned the restrictions, saying the administration demonstrated its failure by deploying forces in strength and preventing people from assembling. Ashraf Ali Barcha, LAB member and Anjuman Imamia president, urged the government to hold talks rather than curbs. Abdul Qayoom, chief of Anjuman Moin ul Islam, said co-chairman Chering Dorjay was put under house arrest and appealed to people not to approach the march venue.

In contrast, Kargil witnessed a peaceful march, led by KDA leaders Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, from Hussaini Park to the main bus stand, with participants wearing black bands and carrying placards reiterating demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.

Addressing the gathering, Kargili welcomed the centre’s judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence and demanded the release of detained persons, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, as well as adequate compensation for the families of the slain and injured. Karbalai condemned the restrictions in Leh and termed them “oppressive steps not acceptable to the peace-loving people of Ladakh.”

Kargali and Karbalai stressed their commitment to peaceful dialogue and reiterated that the people of Ladakh are ready for sacrifices to achieve legitimate demands, including statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule. They also thanked civil society supporters and demanded action against those tarnishing Ladakh’s image as anti-national. (Agencies)