Leh: A curfew remained in force for the fourth straight day in Leh on Saturday amid reports that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), had been shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, though there has been no official confirmation.
Wangchuk was arrested on Friday in connection with the September 24 violence in Leh, when clashes left four people dead and about 70 injured after security forces opened fire in what they said was self-defense. Mobile internet services were suspended in the district as a precaution.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has accused Wangchuk of inciting the unrest. His detention followed the cancellation of the FCRA license of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the organization he founded, citing alleged financial irregularities.
A notification issued by Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal said that advisory boards functioning under the UT’s Public Safety Act, the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the Prevention of Black Marketing Act will also serve as boards under the NSA. Officials said the move was required following Wangchuk’s detention, the first under the NSA since Ladakh was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.
Shops and businesses in Kargil shut down after news of Wangchuk’s arrest spread, while the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 to prevent gatherings. Prohibitory measures were also extended to other towns, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a parallel shutdown.
Meanwhile, two of the civilians killed in the violence were cremated on Saturday. Security forces, including ITBP, CRPF and local police, continued patrolling sensitive areas to enforce curfew. Authorities are probing the involvement of outsiders, including youths from Nepal and Jammu’s Doda district, some of whom were injured in the clashes. Investigators are also examining how the mob obtained petrol bombs that were used to torch BJP and Hill Council offices and several vehicles.
Officials warned that those involved in the arson and violence could face cases under the Public Safety Act. Two Congress councilors are also under scrutiny along with Wangchuk.
Multiple FIRs have been filed, and over 50 people have been detained in connection with the unrest, which also saw widespread damage to public and private property.
A team from the MHA met representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Friday. It was decided that a preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry will be held in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, followed by talks with a High-Powered Committee on a four-point agenda.
The Leh administration has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, coaching centers, and Anganwadi centers in the district until September 28.