By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Leh (Ladakh): Residents of Leh City welcomed the relaxation of the curfew on Thursday, with streets buzzing with vehicles and pedestrians as shops reopened for business. Markets are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, providing much-needed relief to locals after a week of closures.
“The markets were closed for a week,” said a local resident, expressing relief at finally being able to step outside.
Background: Protests and clashes
The curfew and market closures followed protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which escalated into clashes with police officials in Leh. On September 24, the violence claimed the lives of four people, after protesters set a political party office on fire, prompting police retaliation.
Administration response and dialogue
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta emphasised that the Central government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Ladakh. Speaking to ANI, he said that local leaders involved in the protests are engaging in talks with the administration, and stressed that dialogue will begin once a conducive environment is established.
“They (Ladakh leaders) are engaging in discussions with the administration. Once such an environment is fostered, we will begin dialogue. I have not turned down any meetings in the past two months, and people are working towards solutions,” Gupta said.
Efforts for job creation and local development
LG Gupta highlighted ongoing initiatives to boost employment and economic activity in the Union Territory. About 1,000 job positions have been advertised, and efforts are underway to involve locals in tourism, education, and health sectors. The region has 18,000 MSME units employing over 50,000 people, he noted.
Security review
On Wednesday, LG Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing law and order situation. Officials present included Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal, DIG Srinagar South PK Singh, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Senior Superintendent of Police Leh Sanjay Kumar, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Lt Governor on the current security scenario and the measures being implemented to maintain peace and stability in the region.
With curfew restrictions relaxed and markets reopening, residents of Leh are slowly returning to normal life. The administration’s emphasis on dialogue, job creation, and sectoral development aims to address the grievances behind the protests and restore long-term stability in the Union Territory.
