Authorities in Ladakh’s Leh today foiled a silent march planned by local leaders to honour those killed and injured during the recent protests, imposing strict restrictions and curbs on public movement.
In contrast, the administration in Kargil allowed the march to proceed, where residents participated in a peaceful silent procession to pay tribute to the victims of the September 24 violence.
The march and a blackout had been announced by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — the two groups leading the demand for statehood to Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. They have also been seeking a judicial probe into the September 24 incident in Leh, when police allegedly opened fire on protesters, killing four and injuring several others.
Although the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a judicial inquiry into the incident on Friday, the LAB and KDA went ahead with their planned demonstration, saying the people’s right to peaceful protest must be upheld.
In Leh, roads leading to the march site were sealed, and security personnel in full riot gear were deployed to prevent gatherings. The LBA leaders said its co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, was placed under house detention in the morning and released only after several hours.
However, in Kargil, residents across Drass, Sankoo, Tai Suru, Shargole, and Zanskar turned out for a peaceful silent march, demanding justice, restoration of democracy, and full statehood for Ladakh.
Wearing black armbands and taping their mouths, protesters symbolically highlighted what they called their “voicelessness” under the current administration.
“We’ve been made voiceless, democracy has been denied,” said Sajad Kargili, senior KDA leader, adding that they would continue to raise their voice for statehood and Sixth Schedule status and would “never forget the brutal attack in Leh” or the arrests of activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, who remains in detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Protesters reiterated their demands for a time-bound judicial inquiry, compensation for the deceased and injured, and the immediate release of all detainees.
The march in Kargil remained peaceful, officails said.
