Daijiworld Media Network - Leh

Leh, Sep 27: Authorities in Leh announced a two-hour relaxation of the ongoing curfew on Saturday, allowing residents to access essential supplies between 1 pm and 3 pm. The move comes after signs of calm began to return to the region following violent clashes earlier this week that left four protesters dead and over 70 others injured.

The curfew relaxation was made possible after discussions with leaders from the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been in talks with the central government amid growing unrest in the region.

The violence erupted on September 24, when thousands gathered in protest led by local activist groups. Authorities claim that the protests took a violent turn, with mobs damaging public property, attacking security personnel, and setting fire to buildings.

At a press briefing in Leh, Director General of Police S.D. Singh Jamwal defended the police response and criticized what he described as attempts to hijack the situation by “so-called social activists,” singling out engineer-activist Sonam Wangchuk.

“While talks with the central government were progressing, Wangchuk and others chose to incite unrest. Around 5,000 to 6,000 people, including anti-social elements, went on a rampage. Public offices were burned, and even my own vehicle was attacked. I sustained minor injuries,” the DGP said.

One of the more disturbing incidents involved a building being set on fire while four women security personnel were trapped inside. “Under such extreme conditions, the police were left with no option but to open fire. Standard operating procedures were strictly followed,” Jamwal added.

He reported that 70 protesters and 70 security personnel were injured in the clashes. One female protester was airlifted to Delhi for critical medical care. He also mentioned that three Nepalese nationals involved in the protests were injured and are currently hospitalized.

The DGP reiterated that the Ladakh Police has a proud history of service and sacrifice. “In the past year alone, one inspector and two constables have laid down their lives in the line of duty. This was a one-off incident. The police are here to serve the people, not confront them,” he said.

On the topic of Sonam Wangchuk, the DGP took a hard stance, stating: “Wangchuk has been using references to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to inflame local sentiments. He has his own political agenda, and his credibility is questionable. His history is available on YouTube.”

Jamwal also revealed that a Pakistani terror operative who had been gathering information on him was recently arrested. “This individual was in contact with handlers in Pakistan. Investigation is ongoing into FCRA violations, and more information will be shared in due course,” he said.

The DGP closed the press conference with an appeal to Ladakhi youth: “We welcome you to join the police force and government services. The future lies in building, not destroying.”

As of Saturday afternoon, no fresh incidents have been reported in Leh. Authorities said further curfew relaxations will be considered based on the evolving situation.