Leh, Sept 24: In the wake of violent protests that left government and private property gutted in Leh City, the District Magistrate, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, on today clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing grave concerns over public peace and law and order in the district.
The directive, issued ex-parte, prohibits the assembly of five or more persons, processions, rallies, or marches without prior approval from the competent authority. The use of vehicles fitted with loudspeakers has also been restricted, while individuals have been barred from making statements deemed capable of inciting unrest or disturbing public tranquility. Any breach of the orders will attract punitive action under Section 223 of the BNSS.
The measures follow widespread disturbances in Leh, where protesters turned violent, torching the local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party near Saboo and setting ablaze several private and government vehicles, including a security vehicle. Clashes erupted as demonstrators resorted to stone-pelting, forcing police to use teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the mob. Additional forces have since been deployed to restore calm.
The unrest coincided with a shutdown in Leh over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh. The escalation also forced the abrupt cancellation of the closing ceremony of the annual Ladakh festival, which was to be attended by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta. The administration cited unavoidable circumstances in suspending the event and urged public cooperation to overcome prevailing tensions.
Earlier, after the turmoil hit Leh city, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 35-day hunger strike on Wednesday, urging youths to uphold non-violence and warning against actions that could undermine the broader movement for constitutional safeguards. His appeal came a day after two hunger strikers were hospitalized due to deteriorating health.
The protests have drawn renewed attention to long-standing grievances stemming from the 2019 reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, which granted Union Territory status to Ladakh but without a legislative assembly. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have spearheaded the demand for Sixth Schedule protections and restoration of statehood, with the next round of talks with central representatives scheduled for October 6.
Officials maintain that the current restrictions are essential to preserve law and order and ensure the safety of residents. The District Magistrate emphasized that preventive and remedial action could not be delayed, directing strict compliance from police and administrative authorities across the district.
