Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 15: The Union Territory administration of Ladakh on Wednesday lifted the restrictions that had been imposed in Leh following the violent incidents of September 24, even as the agitating groups — the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — issued a veiled warning to the Centre over their pending demands.
According to an order issued by District Magistrate Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, the curbs were initially imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent any breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquility. The restrictions had been enforced through Order No. JC-69(I)2025 (903) dated September 24, 2025.
However, based on a fresh report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh (letter No. PA/Misc/2025/6521 dated October 15, 2025), the district administration observed that there was no longer any imminent threat to peace or public order. Acting on the police recommendation, the District Magistrate ordered immediate withdrawal of all restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS.
“There is no imminent apprehension of breach of peace and public order,” the order noted, adding that the restrictions are lifted with immediate effect.
The decision came just a day after the LAB and KDA held a joint press conference, warning the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) against delaying the resumption of talks on their “just and genuine demands.”
“This is our final request to the MHA to immediately resume the dialogue process. Before the situation turns ugly, the Ministry must accept our four preconditions to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue,” said Asgar Ali Karbalai, Chairman of the KDA.
He further emphasized that the “prevailing silence” in Ladakh should not be mistaken for submission. “The people of Ladakh are committed to a peaceful agitation, but our patience is wearing thin,” he warned.
The lifting of restrictions is expected to ease tensions in Leh, though political observers believe the larger issues raised by the LAB and KDA — including statehood, constitutional safeguards, and representation — continue to hang in the balance. |
