| After curbs lifted, Ladakh prepares for silent peace marches, blackout | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 16: A day after the Union Territory administration lifted restrictions in Leh, the agitating groups of Ladakh announced that they will hold silent peace marches across the region on October 18 to protest alleged excesses following the September 24 violence.
The groups have also urged the people of Ladakh to observe a blackout across the Union Territory from 6 pm to 9 pm on the same day, after the morning peace marches.
Addressing a press conference, Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairperson Chhering Dorjey said the silent marches will be organised in both Leh and Kargil districts, with participants wearing black armbands as a symbol of resistance, anger, and solidarity with the victims.
"In Leh, the march will start from Namgyal Chowk and culminate at Shanti Stupa," Dorjey said. "There will be no placards, slogans, or speeches. The aim is to send a message to the world that Ladakh is peaceful and united," he added.
Dorjey described the upcoming demonstration as a historic event, noting that it would be the first time Ladakh witnesses such a peaceful and coordinated protest.
The blackout, to be observed across Ladakh from 6 pm to 9 pm, is intended to honour those killed or injured in the September 24 incident and to symbolize "the darkness Ladakh is passing through."
In addition, the LAB has appealed to residents to refrain from using music systems and traditional instruments such as Daman and Surna during weddings or social gatherings for the next three months as a mark of mourning.
Similar silent marches will be held in Kargil district and other blocks of Leh to demonstrate unity and collective resolve across the Union Territory.
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