Ladakh bodies call for protest; retired SC judge to probe September 24 incident

Representatives of Ladakh have called for a two-hour silent protest and three-hour blackout across the Union Territory on Saturday to express solidarity with the families of the four killed during the September 24 protests and those injured on the same day. Considering the protest call, the Leh authorities have reimposed section 163 of BNS, prohibiting gathering of four or more persons, and suspended mobile internet services.

Chief secretary Pawan Kotwal said nobody would be allowed to organise or participate in any gathering as the UT is limping back to normalcy and situation cannot be allowed to go out of control. "We can't afford a big gathering... We will not allow anyone to disturb public peace."

After the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a judicial inquiry, led by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan, on Friday afternoon, the representatives of Ladakh said they welcome the decision but more needs to be done. They clarified that the protest and blackout will be held as per the already announced programme.


"The government had to announce this inquiry. We welcome this, but the protest will be held as per plan," Chering Dorjay, co-chair of ABL told ET.

KDA leader Sajjad Kargili welcomed the MHA decision but stated that justice remains incomplete without taking some more steps. "We demand the release of all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, compensation and medical aid for the victims, statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh," Kargili said. KDA also held a meeting in Kargil urging people to participate in the protest in Kargil town starting from Changrah Bazar.

"There will be no placards or slogans and speeches. During the march, the participants would wear black armbands as a sign of resistance, anger and solidarity with the victims," said an ABL representative.

"ABL has decided to go ahead with its silent two-hour protest from Namgyal Chowk to Shanti Stupa in Leh at 11 am and a three-hour blackout on the same day from 6 pm to convey a message to the outside world that Ladakh is peaceful, united," read the statement.

Representatives of Ladakh have appealed to the public to avoid using music systems and traditional instruments like Daman and Surna during marriages or other ceremonies for three months as a mark of mourning.