LEH (Kashmir English): Curfew and severe restrictions entered their ninth consecutive day today (Thursday) in Leh and Kargil regions as Indian occupation forces continue to hold the territory under tight control following the September 24 crackdown in which four unarmed protesters were killed.
Armed forces deployed throughout Ladakh
According to Kashmir Media Service, communication services remain cut, assembly of more than four persons is banned, and armed forces are deployed in strength throughout Ladakh.
Political engagement has reached a stalemate. After the Leh Apex Body (LAB) set conditions — including an independent judicial inquiry and release of detainees — the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has also withdrawn from talks with New Delhi.
The KDA demanded immediate and unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk and others, and said continued refusal to address core demands like statehood, Sixth Schedule rights, and a distinct Ladakh civil service would only alienate the local populace further.
The internet ban remains in place until at least October 3.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has publicly refuted claims that her husband is a “foreign agent,” calling them “blatant lies” meant to discredit his activism for Ladakh’s rights.
Despite the ground-level reports of tensions and enforcement, the Indian government continues to maintain that developments are driven by law-and-order concerns.
The impasse with the region under curfew, dialogue failing, and its youth caught in limbo, signals a major crisis unfolding in Ladakh.
