The Kashmir Dialogues
Ladakh Returns to Normalcy After Violent Protests
Ladakh, October 03: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced that markets in Ladakh have reopened for the general public from 10 am to 6 pm, with vehicles, including commercial ones, running normally after recent clashes in Leh. Educational institutions up to the eighth grade have also resumed operations, signaling a return to normalcy following public unrest over demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
The protests on September 24 escalated into violent confrontations with police, leading to a tragic incident Gupta described as “painful and tragic.” He expressed confidence that normal conditions would be restored within a day or two and emphasized that authorities are working to prevent a recurrence in the sensitive border region.Magistrate inquiries have been initiated, and although several protestors have been released on bail, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that further action will be taken based on evidence. “Dialogue is a medium and only through dialogue things can emerge,” Gupta stated, adding that central government-backed talks have been extended to protest leaders until October 6.
Meanwhile, the arrest of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) has sparked further controversy. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has approached the Supreme Court with a habeas corpus petition demanding his release and raising concerns over his safety and the lack of information regarding his detention.
Wangchuk was transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail after allegations of inciting violence during the protests, which resulted in at least four deaths and over eighty injuries.Authorities have appealed to the public for cooperation and to prioritize dialogue, reaffirming a commitment to peace and justice in Ladakh.
