Leh, Oct 16: In a strong demonstration of solidarity, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has announced a Peace and Silent March along with a symbolic Blackout across Ladakh to protest the recent arrests of Ladakhi citizens and to support the families affected by the violence following the September 24 incident. The coordinated initiative, combining silence with symbolic acts, is intended to convey a clear message to the government that Ladakh will not remain silent in the face of injustice and administrative indifference.
The LAB convened a crucial meeting today to discuss the recent arrests and the rising unrest in the region. Following deliberations, the body declared that the silent march will take place on Saturday, October 18, at 11 a.m., starting from Singey Namgyal Chowk and concluding at Shanti Stupa, with similar marches planned across various blocks of Leh and Kargil districts.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Ashraf Ali Barcha, President of Anjuman Imamiya, emphasized that the march will remain entirely peaceful and silent, symbolizing unity, compassion, and a collective call for justice. He explained that Shanti Stupa was chosen as the venue for its representation of peace and non-violence. Participants have been requested to wear black ribbons as a mark of solidarity and mourning.
The LAB urged residents of both Leh and Kargil to take part in the march, which aims to express sympathy for those injured or killed during recent incidents and to demand the release of individuals detained during the police crackdown. Barcha also called on the government to provide timely medical and legal assistance to all affected families.
In addition to the march, the Apex Body announced a symbolic three-hour blackout across Ladakh from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., asking all households and institutions to switch off their lights as a form of peaceful protest. “This blackout will send a message to the government and the world that darkness still looms over Ladakh,” Barcha said, expressing concern over the ongoing arrests and the lack of dialogue since September 24, adding that “justice remains in the dark.”
The combined initiative of the black ribbon campaign, the silent march, and the symbolic blackout represents a unified, non-violent movement intended to attract national and international attention to Ladakh’s ongoing challenges, which local leaders describe as resulting from unjust administrative actions and delayed government engagement.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, the Apex Body urged all participants to maintain discipline throughout the march, clarifying that the initiative is directed not against law enforcement but against injustice and administrative silence.
Earlier, the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had outlined demands submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. These include a judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge, limiting all future discussions with the Centre to Statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk currently held in Jodhpur jail, and adequate compensation and relief for families of the deceased and seriously injured.
LAB and KDA have stated that discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs will only proceed once these demands are addressed. The peaceful silent march, accompanied by participants wearing black ribbons, will be followed by a Blackout Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., underscoring that conditions on the ground remain far from normal. Specific dates for these events will be confirmed shortly.
