Administration Blocks Silent March in Leh
Ladakh Statehood Protest, The Ladakh administration blocked a planned silent march in Leh on Saturday as residents prepared to demand statehood, constitutional safeguards, and the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protest, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), aimed to express solidarity with victims of the September 24 clashes, which left four people dead and nearly ninety injured.
Officials imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to ban large gatherings and prevent any procession. They also suspended mobile internet, closed schools and colleges, and deployed heavy security across Leh town. The administration said these steps were necessary to maintain peace and prevent any escalation of tension.
Leaders Placed Under Restrictions
Before the march could begin, police restricted the movements of several leaders, including LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay, who was reportedly placed under house arrest. Dorjay condemned the action, calling it “an attack on the people’s democratic rights, Ladakh Statehood Protest.
The LAB and KDA had urged participants to join a two-hour silent march and later observe a three-hour evening blackout to mourn the victims of the September 24 incident. The groups said the demonstration would be peaceful and symbolic. Ladakh Statehood Protest However, authorities sealed major routes and stopped participants from gathering near the march’s starting point.
Kargil Holds Peaceful Demonstration
Meanwhile, hundreds of residents in Kargil managed to hold a peaceful silent march from Hussaini Park to the main market. Demonstrators wore black armbands and carried placards demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and Wangchuk’s immediate release.
KDA leader Sajjad Kargili criticized the Leh administration for blocking the protest. “You can stop people from walking, but you can’t stop an idea,” he said. “Ladakh will continue to speak for its rights peacefully and firmly.”
Public Anger Over Delhi’s Inaction
The call for statehood in Ladakh has intensified since 2019, when the region was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a Union Territory without its own legislature. Residents believe the change reduced their political representation and left their land and jobs unprotected.
Consequently, the LAB and KDA have submitted four key demands to the central government:
- Grant full statehood to Ladakh.
- Include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Conduct a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence.
- Release all detained protesters, including Sonam Wangchuk.
Local leaders say these measures are essential to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile environment, tribal culture, and employment rights.
Wangchuk’s Detention Sparks Outrage
The movement gained momentum after environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk—known for his Ice Stupa innovations—launched a 35-day hunger strike earlier this year. He demanded constitutional protection and responsible development for Ladakh’s ecology.
However, authorities later detained him under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted him to Jodhpur jail, which triggered widespread outrage. Ladakh Statehood ProtestFOR Citizens and student groups across Ladakh rallied for his release, calling his detention unjust and politically motivated. “When a peaceful reformer is jailed, it discourages dialogue,” said a Leh resident.
Government Orders Judicial Probe
In response to growing public anger, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered a judicial inquiry led by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the September 24 violence. Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal announced that most detainees had been released on bail, while around thirty people remained in custody.
Kotwal urged residents to stay calm, emphasizing that the government wanted “a transparent and fair investigation.” However, protesters said the inquiry came too late and failed to address their broader political and environmental concerns.
Tourism and Daily Life Affected
The restrictions in Leh disrupted daily life and hit the tourism sector, which forms a major part of the region’s economy. Many hotel owners reported booking cancellations, and shopkeepers said business came to a halt. “It feels like a lockdown again,” said Tashi Namgyal, a café owner in Leh. “Tourists are leaving early, and locals are afraid to move around.” https://www.hial.edu.in/sonam-wangchuk
Furthermore, the suspension of mobile networks caused communication problems, affecting emergency services and local businesses. Residents described the atmosphere as tense but resilient.
A Region Still Waiting for a Voice
Political observers believe the continuing unrest reflects Ladakh’s deepening sense of neglect. Analyst Tsering Dawa said, “Ladakhis are not asking for separation; they are asking for recognition and representation. The government must start genuine dialogue instead of relying on restrictions.”
Later that evening, as parts of Kargil observed the planned blackout, Leh remained under tight security. Despite heavy police presence and roadblocks, the people’s determination remained unshaken.
Ultimately, the administration may have stopped the march, but the movement for statehood and self-governance in Ladakh continues to grow stronger. For many residents, the silent march was never just about protest — it was about being heard in a land that refuses to stay silent.
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