Markets reopened in Leh on Tuesday as curfew was relaxed for seven hours, a move that came amid persistent demands for the release of those arrested and a judicial probe into the September 24 police firing that killed four people.
On Monday, restrictions were lifted briefly for two hours from 4 p.m; shortly after the cremation of the victims who were killed in the clashes between protesters and security forces.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere during the curfew relaxation today till 5 pm. The Leh district administration allowed grocery, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops to open during the curfew relaxation in the Leh district.
Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength and are maintaining strict vigil to maintain law and order, a police official said.
Mobile internet services continued to be suspended in the Leh town, and prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons are still in force in other major parts of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
Curfew was imposed in Leh on the evening of September 24 after violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
Meanwhile, the former chairman / chief executive councillor Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Rigzin Spalbar, in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah has urged him to order a judicial probe into the police firing and withdraw “unsubstantiated and false cases” registered against the arrested persons. This would help restore trust, ensure justice, and uphold the rights of the individuals involved.
Spalbar also urged the Home Minister to announce immediate relief and compensation to kin of those “martyred” in police firing. This gesture of goodwill would help mitigate the prevailing sense of angst and unrest among the people of Ladakh, fostering a sense of understanding and support during this difficult time.
He asked the authorities to cease persecution of social workers, religious organizations members, and innocent youth affiliated with the Apex body.
“We eagerly look forward to the government’s positive response to the unanimous demands of the people of Ladakh. By addressing these pressing concerns, we are confident that a conducive atmosphere will be created, paving the way for constructive dialogue between the government and the Ladakh delegation”, Spalbar added.