Ladakh authorities enforce strict restrictions in Leh to prevent protest march
Leh: The administration in the Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, under the control of the New Delhi-imposed Lieutenant Governor, has imposed strict restrictions in Leh district to block a planned protest march.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Leh Apex Body had called for a peaceful march today to express solidarity with the families of four civilians who were killed by Indian forces on September 24 in Leh town. The protest was also aimed at demanding statehood for Ladakh, the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and the release of detained youth. The call for today’s march was also supported by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
However, District Magistrate Romail Singh Donk issued orders to impose severe restrictions in Leh, specifically prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, rallies, public assemblies, and the use of loudspeakers. The mobile internet services have also been snapped in the entire Ladakh region.
On September 24, Indian forces opened fire on protesters in Leh, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. In the wake of the killings, the Indian authorities have detained numerous individuals, including the prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, a vocal advocate for the rights of Ladakhis. Wangchuk is currently imprisoned in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan under the draconian National Security Act (NSA).
The imposition of these restrictions reflects the ongoing repression of dissent and peaceful protests in Ladakh, as authorities seek to suppress calls for greater autonomy for the people of Ladakh.
