Normalcy Restored in Leh Ladakh with Conditions; Leaders Demand Judicial Inquiry into 4 Deaths
The leaders called for a judicial inquiry into the events of September 24 & demanded release of innocent youth currently in police custody.
Normalcy Restored in Leh Ladakh with Conditions; Leaders Demand Judicial Inquiry into 4 Deaths: Mobile internet services were restored in Leh Ladakh on Thursday evening after 15 days of suspension. The restoration came following “peace talks” held earlier in the day between the Ladakh administration and local bodies, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
The internet was suspended after the violence on September 24, which resulted in four deaths due to police firing and left 90 people injured. The unrest stemmed from the longstanding demand for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the call for statehood.
Late Thursday evening, the District Magistrate of Leh issued an order prohibiting the circulation, sharing, or forwarding of any fake news, rumors, or unverified information on any social media platform within the jurisdiction of Leh district.
The order also directed all social media group administrators to monitor the content shared in their WhatsApp groups and to immediately delete any fake, misleading, or rumor-mongering content. Administrators were instructed to turn on the ‘Admin Only’ mode for sending messages in WhatsApp groups.
“Strict legal action under relevant sections of law will be taken against those found indulging in the creation, sharing, or forwarding of fake news, messages, rumors, or misinformation,” the order stated. It will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the order read.
However, one user questioned the move in the comment section of the official Instagram page of the Ladakh Information Department, asking whether legal action would also be taken against the UT administration’s own page for allegedly spreading fake and misleading information.
“There were many fake news and misinformation from this page. Will there be legal action?” questioned the Instagram user with the handle thethirdpassport.
Many other comments under the UT administration’s post echoed similar sentiments, strongly accusing the administration of spreading fake news.
Meanwhile, along with the restoration of internet services, the administration announced that complete normalcy have returned, citing uninterrupted internet, the smooth functioning of educational institutions, and the resumption of public transport and other civic activities. Restrictions in Ladakh have been lifted, the administration said, owing to the people’s cooperation and responsible behavior.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta expressed satisfaction over the prevailing calm and order across the Union Territory, according to a press release by the UT administration.
The Lt Governor stated that the people of Ladakh had shown exemplary patience and unity during recent challenging times, adding that the spirit of cooperation was instrumental in quickly restoring normal life across the region.
“The restoration of normal life is a clear reflection of the people’s faith in the administration’s commitment to ensuring safety, stability, and inclusive growth,” the Lt. Governor was quoted as saying.
Highlighting the deep-rooted sense of nationalism among the people, he added, “Ladakhis are among the most patriotic citizens of our nation, who have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the country in safeguarding national interests.”
He urged all sections of society to work with 'renewed energy' for the development and prosperity of Ladakh.
Separately, Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, held a ‘Peace Coordination Meeting’ yesterday to deliberate on the recent violence and its aftermath, another press release stated.
Prominent religious and political leaders, including Apex Body President Thupstan Chhewang, Tsering Dorjey Lakruk, Ashraf Ali Barcha, and Abdul Qayoom, were present at the meeting.
The leaders called for a judicial inquiry into the events of September 24 and demanded the release of innocent youth currently in police custody.
They also emphasized the need for adequate financial compensation for the families of the victims, who mostly belong to the middle class and economically weaker sections of society.
The leaders jointly condemned certain sections of the mainstream media for portraying Ladakhis as “anti-national,” highlighting the community’s historic contributions to the nation, including over 600 gallantry awards earned by its citizens.
They reiterated their collective demand for Sixth Schedule safeguards and statehood for Ladakh and called for an early resumption of talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
During the same meeting, the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Leh stated that while the tragic loss of lives cannot be reversed, continued dialogue with the Government of India is essential to bridge the existing trust deficit.
He emphasized that LAHDC Councils should play a constructive role as a bridge between the government and the public, ensuring transparency and sincerity in all discussions.
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