'Normalcy is an illusion': Ladakh administration declares calm; LAB insists situation far from normal

Schools, offices reopen, but LAB says normalcy is still a distant dream in Ladakh.

While the Union Territory administration of Ladakh on Monday insisted that peace has returned and schools, offices, and markets are operational, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) contested the claim, calling the 'apparent calm' a surface-level illusion, according to a report by PTI. The LAB has demanded the immediate lifting of curbs and release of detainees to restore public confidence.

Schools, markets reopen, but restrictions persist

Following the September 24 agitation led by LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) demanding statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule safeguards, Leh was rocked by violence that left four dead and scores injured. In response, the administration had imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet services.

Since early October, curfew restrictions have been gradually eased. Schools up to class 8 reopened on October 3, and markets and offices resumed operations. However, prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five people remain in force, and mobile internet services continue to be suspended, affecting education and communications across the region.

“Lt Governor today chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Ladakh. The UT remains peaceful, with schools, offices, and markets reopened,” the LG office said in a statement on X.

Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, who has chaired daily security reviews since the September clashes, instructed officials to stay vigilant while focusing on peace and development.

LAB raises alarm over ongoing arrests

Contrasting the official narrative, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay asserted that the situation remains far from normal.

“Nothing is normal as the internet continues to remain suspended and mass arrests are ongoing,” Dorjay said at a press conference, as cited by PTI. He demanded the immediate release of all detainees and restoration of mobile internet services.

Dorjay also criticised the harassment of numberdars, or village heads, who had informed local communities about LAB’s hunger strike from September 10 to 24. “They did not instigate protests but only performed their duty. Normalcy cannot return through intimidation,” he said.

The LAB reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful struggle in support of its demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.

Government response: Judicial oversight and dialogue

The administration maintains that steps are underway to restore normalcy. Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal said 30 of the 70 youths detained after the September clashes have been released, with the rest in judicial custody. “We will ensure that youngsters are not put to any hardship and no misguided innocent person is implicated,” he said.

The LAB and KDA have chosen to stay away from a scheduled meeting with the Centre until a judicial probe is ordered into the deaths and all detainees, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, are released.

Kotwal said that the government’s commitment to dialogue, stating that the administration remains open to meeting stakeholders and addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s people.

“The situation may appear normal on the surface, but the reality on the ground is very different,” Dorjay said, reflecting concerns that ongoing curbs could hinder trust and social stability.

(With inputs from PTI)