LEH (Kashmir English): The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has called for a two-hour silent march and three-hour blackout across Ladakh today (Saturday) to express solidarity with the families of the four persons killed in Indian forces firing in Leh on September 24, besides those critically injured in the incident.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the LAB in a statement said the peaceful demonstration is also to protest against the delay in the release of the detained youth.
The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced fresh protests in support of their demand for statehood and safeguards under the sixth schedule of the Constitution and reiterated their conditions, including a judicial inquiry into last month’s violence, for restarting talks with New Delhi.
“Ladakh is united”
“After an emergency meeting, the LAB has decided to go ahead with its silent two-hour protest from Namgiyal Chowk to Shanti Stupa in Leh at 11:00am and a three-hour blackout the same day from 6:00pm to convey a message to the world that Ladakh is peaceful and united,” the LAB said.
It noted that similar protests will also be held in Kargil and at block levels across Ladakh.
“There will be no placards or slogans and speeches.” During the march, the LAB said, the participants would wear black armbands on their hands as a sign of “resistance, anger, and solidarity” with the victims.
The LAB also appealed to the public to avoid using music systems and traditional instruments like Daman and Surna during marriage or other ceremonies for the next three months as a mark of mourning.
