Ladakh protests: Authorities block Leh rally; silent march held in Kargil

SRINAGAR: Authorities stopped Saturday a soundless march called by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) successful Leh but allowed it to proceed successful Kargil, amid dense information deployment and a regionwide net shutdown.

The march was planned to mourn 4 radical killed successful alleged constabulary firing during the September 24 protests demanding Sixth Schedule presumption and statehood for Ladakh.Police and paramilitary forces were retired successful spot crossed Leh aboriginal Saturday arsenic the groups had announced a two-hour soundless march from 10am and a three-hour blackout from 6pm successful solidarity with the victims. Mobile net services were suspended, schools and colleges remained closed, and constabulary patrols urged residents to enactment indoors.Authorities successful Leh and Kargil had imposed prohibitory orders Friday evening, banning assemblies of 5 oregon much radical and prohibiting rallies oregon processions, citing “possible disturbances to nationalist bid and tranquillity”.LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjee said the restrictions were “illegal” and reflected fear. “If govt fears its ain people, past thing is earnestly incorrect with the government,” helium said.Dorjee welcomed Union location ministry’s announcement of a judicial probe into the firing, to beryllium led by a retired Supreme Court judge, but objected to the lack of Ladakhi practice connected the three-member panel.

“This looks unusual and volition not instil assurance among the people. We privation the enquiry to beryllium transparent. The errors should beryllium corrected,” helium said.On Centre’s connection that it remained unfastened to dialogue, Dorjee said LAB was acceptable for “meaningful talks” initiated by the government.In Kargil, KDA’s march went up peacefully. Addressing a ample crowd, KDA’s Sajjad Kargili said the rally proved Ladakhis would not relent successful their combat for afloat statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.

“We volition proceed to property our demands and volition not halt until they are fulfilled,” helium said.Kargili welcomed the judicial enquiry but demanded compensation for families of those killed and wounded, merchandise those arrested — including clime activistic Sonam Wangchuk — and withdrawal of each charges against them.KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said: “We are ever unfastened to dialog but volition not bow to unit oregon coercion.”