SRINAGAR: As bodies of all the four victims of September 24 violence in Leh were cremated, authorities on Tuesday announced relaxation in curfew in Leh district of Ladakh Union Territory for four hours from 10 am to 2 pm.
The administration has ordered opening of all groceries, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops during the relaxation period in Leh.
However, schools and other educational institutions shall remain closed.
The mobile internet service, which was suspended immediately after September 24 violence, remains suspended in the district.
A police official said security men, who are deployed in strength in sensitive areas, are maintaining tight vigil.
“The situation is under control and no untoward incident has been reported after September 24 violence,” he said.
On September 24, a protest in Leh called by the Leh Apex body for 6th Schedule and statehood to Ladakh turned violent with the protestors setting fire to the BJP office and CEC Leh Hill Council office, and the vehicles of police and CRPF. Besides, government and public property was damaged.
In the firing by security personnel, four persons were killed and 80 others injured. One of the critically injured girl was airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi for specialised treatment.
The bodies of four victims including 47-year-old Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin, who fought in Kargil war, have been cremated. While bodies of two victims including that of Tharchin were cremated yesterday, the last rites of two other victims was held on Sunday.
After the violence, authorities imposed curfew in Leh district to maintain law and order and arrested climate activist and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk, who was spearheading the agitation for 6th Schedule and statehood, and 50 others.
Wangchuk was booked under stringent National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur, jail Rajasthan.
The Leh Apex Body yesterday announced pulling out from all dialogue process with the central government till peace and normalcy is restored, all detainees released and a judicial inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge is conducted in the killing of 4 youth.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in the Union Territory during which he urged officials to remain vigilant, responsive, and people-friendly in their approach.
He stressed that law and order must be enforced firmly yet sensitively, keeping in mind the welfare and sentiments of the local population.
“Peace is the cornerstone of development. I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity, and progress,” Gupta said.
He also reiterated his government’s commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique culture and aspirations. “The sustained peace and stability will pave the way for accelerated growth and opportunities in the region”.
In a related development, Army’s northern command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Siachen Brigade, Units deployed in Eastern Ladakh and the Karakoram Pass to review operational preparedness, praising the high morale and steadfast commitment of all ranks.
He interacted with National Flag Quiz Winners at Siachen Base Camp, appreciating their national spirit and dedication.
He also flagged-in a Mountaineering Expedition to a very challenging peak over 7000 metres at Siachen Base Camp, commending them for their indomitable spirit & setting a new benchmark in mountaineering.
On September 27, Northern command chief had called on Ladakh LG Gupta and discussed the current situation in violence-hit Leh town.