Admin bans big gatherings in Leh before activist's march

The administration in Ladakh imposed section 144 in Leh ahead of activist Sonam Wangchuk's proposed 'Pashmina March' on April 7, stating that there are reliable inputs of apprehension of breach of peace and tranquillity in the district.

Wangchuk termed the decision "unfortunate" and an "overreaction", which he said could be a ploy to instigate peaceful protestors of Ladakh and later blame them for unlawful activities.

"It is desirable that any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and danger to human life should be immediately prevented...no procession, rally or march, no public gathering, no person should make a statement to disrupt communal harmony," said a statement issued by the district magistrate of Leh.