Leh: The city of Leh remained tensely calm on Sunday under a strict curfew following violent protests that claimed four lives earlier this week. Essential services, including medical care, were allowed, but all other activities were suspended.
⚰️ Funerals Held Amid Tight Security
Two of the deceased protesters, 25-year-old Jigmat Dorjey of Kharnak village and 24-year-old Stanzin Namgyal of Igu village, were cremated under heavy security on Sunday, in line with Buddhist traditions. The remaining two — 46-year-old Sewang Tharchin, a former soldier who fought in the Kargil War, and 22-year-old Rinchen Dorjey of Hanu — will be cremated on September 29.
Authorities barred media and political leaders from attending the funerals. Even LAHDC Chairman Tashi Gyalson was denied permission to participate.
🚫 Internet Ban, Schools & Markets Closed
The administration ordered a shutdown of internet services across Leh and confirmed that all schools, colleges, and markets will remain closed on Monday.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting with police and administrative officials.
🚨 Heavy Security Deployment
To maintain order, CRPF and ITBP personnel conducted flag marches in sensitive areas. Security forces in anti-riot gear were deployed across the curfew-bound city. Over 50 people have been detained so far for their alleged involvement in the violence.
The unrest on September 24 resulted in four deaths and several injuries.
🛑 Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under NSA
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested and booked under the National Security Act (NSA). He is currently being held in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, strongly denied allegations of Pakistan links and financial irregularities, stressing that Wangchuk always followed Gandhian methods of protest. She claimed the violence was triggered after the CRPF action on September 24 and said she has not been able to contact her husband since his arrest.
🗣️ Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP-RSS
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the BJP and RSS, accusing them of attacking Ladakh’s people, culture, and traditions. In a social media post, he demanded Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
“Ladakhis raised their voice. The BJP responded by killing four young men and jailing Sonam Wangchuk. Stop the killings. Stop the violence. Stop the threats. Give Ladakh a voice. Give them the Sixth Schedule,” he wrote.
