Published on: October 18, 2025 | 3:18 PM IST

Leh/Kargil: A planned silent march in Leh, jointly organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) as part of their agitation for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, was thwarted on Saturday due to strict security measures and suspension of mobile internet services.

Authorities deployed a strong contingent of police and paramilitary forces across Leh and adjoining areas to prevent the march, citing law and order concerns. Educational institutions were also ordered to remain closed, and prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS to deter any assembly.

“We have called for a silent march to peacefully highlight our demands, but the administration, by using its might, has demonstrated its failure. They have deployed forces in strength and did not allow the people to assemble for the march,” said Anjuman Imamia president and LAB member Ashraf Ali Barcha.

LAB leadership curbed
The leadership of LAB faced additional restrictions. Chering Dorjay, co-chairman of LAB, was reportedly placed under house arrest. Abdul Qayoom, chief of Anjuman Moin ul Islam, appealed to people not to attempt reaching the march venue, emphasizing that the group would avoid confrontation and decide the next steps through dialogue.

Peaceful march in Kargil
While Leh witnessed a heavy security clampdown, Kargil saw a peaceful silent march organized by the KDA. Hundreds of participants, led by co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, marched from Hussaini Park to the main bus stand, passing through the main bazaar. Protesters wore black bands and carried placards reiterating their demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.

“We welcome the Centre’s decision to order a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh and want the government to announce the unconditional release of all detained persons, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and provide adequate compensation for the families of the four slain persons and those injured,” Sajjad Kargali said during the gathering.

Call for dialogue and justice
Speaking to reporters, Karbalai condemned the restrictions imposed on LAB leadership and the people of Leh, calling such measures “unacceptable to the peace-loving people of Ladakh.” He welcomed the judicial inquiry but emphasized the need for two additional steps before resuming dialogue: compensation for the victims and release of detained persons.

“The people of Ladakh are not tired, nor will they bow. We are ready for any type of sacrifice for our legitimate demands,” Karbalai said.

He also expressed gratitude to civil society across India for supporting Ladakh in the aftermath of the Leh violence and demanded action against those who attempted to tarnish the region’s image by labeling its people as anti-national.

Background
The silent march was called to express solidarity with victims of the September 24 violence in Leh, which left several people dead and many others injured. The protests are part of a broader demand by the people of Ladakh for statehoodand constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

While security concerns curtailed the demonstration in Leh, the peaceful march in Kargil highlighted the continued resolve of the region’s residents to pursue their demands through non-violent means and engage with the government via dialogue.