Leh march blocked, Kargil rally proceeds amid Ladakh tension

SRINAGAR: Authorities stopped Saturday a silent march called by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in Leh but allowed it to proceed in Kargil, amid heavy security deployment and a regionwide internet shutdown.

The march was planned to mourn four people killed in alleged police firing during the September 24 protests demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh.Police and paramilitary forces were out in strength across Leh early Saturday as the groups had announced a two-hour silent march from 10am and a three-hour blackout from 6pm in solidarity with the victims. Mobile internet services were suspended, schools and colleges remained closed, and police patrols urged residents to stay indoors.Authorities in Leh and Kargil had imposed prohibitory orders Friday evening, banning assemblies of five or more people and prohibiting rallies or processions, citing “possible disturbances to public peace and tranquillity”.LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjee said the restrictions were “illegal” and reflected fear. “If govt fears its own people, then something is seriously wrong with the government,” he said.Dorjee welcomed Union home ministry’s announcement of a judicial probe into the firing, to be led by a retired Supreme Court judge, but objected to the absence of Ladakhi representation on the three-member panel.

“This looks strange and will not instil confidence among the people. We want the inquiry to be transparent. The errors should be corrected,” he said.On Centre’s statement that it remained open to dialogue, Dorjee said LAB was ready for “meaningful talks” initiated by the government.In Kargil, KDA’s march went ahead peacefully. Addressing a large crowd, KDA’s Sajjad Kargili said the rally proved Ladakhis would not relent in their fight for full statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.

“We will continue to press our demands and will not stop until they are fulfilled,” he said.Kargili welcomed the judicial inquiry but demanded compensation for families of those killed and wounded, release those arrested — including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk — and withdrawal of all charges against them.KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said: “We are always open to dialogue but will not bow to pressure or coercion.”