Leh, Jul 09: The Merchant Association Leh (MAL) Wednesday afternoon officially called off its two-day-long bandh and suspended its plans for an indefinite shutdown following successful negotiations with the district administration.
Speaking to the media, President of Association, Tsering Angchuk, confirmed that the association had held detailed deliberations with senior officials of the district administration, including Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, over their core demands and grievances.
“We have been assured by the administration that our concerns will be thoroughly addressed. They have sought a ten-day period to look into the matter, and we have agreed to give them this time. Also, His Holiness Dalai Lama is slated to arrive in Leh on July 12 and we don’t want to cause inconvenience to public during this period,” Angchuk stated.
The main point of contention revolved around allegations of unfair and unethical trade practices by Mir Sales Corporation, a private business operating in Leh. The Merchant Association had accused the firm of hurting the interests of local shopkeepers and businesses.
Angchuk further revealed that, in accordance with administrative directions, Mir Sales Corporation will remain closed during the ten-day period as the matter is being examined.
Speaking on the issue, CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson assured the traders that their concerns were being taken seriously. “We understand the sentiments and genuine apprehensions of the local business community. The administration is committed to maintaining fair trade practices in the region and ensuring that no individual or business undermines the economic stability of local traders. We have requested the association to grant us ten days to investigate and resolve the issue lawfully and fairly,” Gyalson said.
The shutdown, which began on the morning of July 8, saw a complete closure of commercial establishments across Leh town, including retail shops, wholesale outlets, hardware stores, and various service-based businesses. The town wore a deserted look for two consecutive days, marking one of the strongest collective protests by the business community in recent times.
Normalcy returned only this evening as shops and markets reopened following the association’s announcement to withdraw the bandh temporarily.
The temporary resolution has brought relief to both traders and residents who were impacted by the shutdown. However, the next steps will depend on the administration’s response and actions within the ten-day timeline.
