Leh: Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, remain in effect in Leh after the violent incidents that occurred on September 24. The prohibitory order bans the assembly of five or more individuals and disallows processions, rallies, or marches without prior written permission. Heavy deployment of security forces continues across the district.
The unrest stems from long-standing demands by the people of Ladakh for the Union Territory’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Sixth Schedule pertains to the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
In the aftermath of the violence, which left four people dead and nearly 90 injured, authorities have arrested 44 individuals. Among those detained is prominent climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who had recently concluded a hunger strike in support of the Sixth Schedule demand. He was taken into custody under the National Security Act (NSA) and is currently being held in Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan, on charges of inciting violence.
Police action on September 26, including the use of firearms, reportedly escalated tensions and contributed to the casualties.
Commenting on the developments, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra blamed the current unrest on five years of broken promises. Speaking to the media, he claimed that the current protesters had previously supported the government during the abrogation of Article 370.
“This agitation is the result of deceit and unfulfilled commitments over the past five years,” said Karra. “Ironically, many of those protesting today were the same individuals who welcomed the abrogation of Article 370 and were then used to project popular support.”
The situation in Ladakh remains tense, with calls for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule growing louder. Authorities have not yet indicated when the restrictions might be lifted.
