Leh District Lifts Restrictions After 22 Days of Turmoil: What Led to the Change?

Restrictions in Leh District Rescinded

Authorities in Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, announced the lifting of restrictions on Wednesday, which had been in place for 22 days following violent protests for statehood that resulted in four fatalities and over 80 injuries. The prohibitory orders were initially enacted on September 24 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibited gatherings of five or more individuals.

Officials confirmed that no further incidents of violence had occurred since the imposition of these restrictions. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk issued an order on Wednesday to revoke the prohibitory measures, stating, “I do hereby withdraw the restrictions imposed vide this office order dated September 24 with immediate effect.”

The restrictions were initially put in place to maintain public order and prevent any potential disturbances. A report from the Senior Superintendent of Police indicated that there was no longer a threat to peace, leading to the recommendation for lifting the restrictions.

On September 26, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested following clashes between security forces and protesters advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting violence and was subsequently moved to Jodhpur jail. Wangchuk is a prominent figure in the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been advocating for statehood and constitutional protections for the residents of Leh and Kargil.