Curfew lifted, normalcy prevails in Leh
Action to be initiated after gathering evidence
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 1: As day curfew was lifted in Leh, normalcy prevailed in the district today with no untoward incident reported from any part of the district and focus has shifted towards Social Media accounts which were reportedly used to mobilize crowd and some other suspicious activities on the day of violence and arson on September 24. Police and Intelligence agencies are monitoring several such Social Media accounts.
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Officials told the Excelsior that police and intelligence agencies have been scanning several Social Media accounts and mobile numbers which suddenly became active in the night of September 23 and continued till the day of violence on September 24 mobilizing crowd from different parts of Leh district.
Crowd had surged on September 24 in Leh town resulting into attack on the BJP and Leh Hill Council offices besides many vehicles which were torched prompting police and CRPF to open firing in which four civilians were killed and 90 others including 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured.
“Some Social Media accounts and mobile phones were used in Leh town to mobilize crowd from peripheries to lay a siege resulting into surge in crowd. As per estimates, over 5000 people, mostly youth had gathered in the town,” the officials said, adding the mobile phone numbers and Social Media accounts are being scanned to initiate action against the elements which tried to flare up tensions in otherwise peaceful town.
A number of youths involved in the violence have already been arrested by police while multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged in arson and violence.
Meanwhile, normalcy was witnessed in curfew-bound Leh town since Tuesday morning after authorities relaxed week-long curbs for seven hours and also ordered the reopening of shops and business establishments.
The relaxation period was further extended by one more hour from 10 am to 6 pm today. However, mobile internet services remained suspended, and stringent prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more people are still in effect across much of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta today chaired a high-level review meeting to take stock of the prevailing law and order situation in the UT.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, DIG Srinagar South P.K. Singh, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Senior Superintendent of Police Leh, Sanjay Kumar, CO 79, Rajat Jain, CO 25, and other senior officials.
The officials briefed the Lt Governor on the latest security scenario and the measures undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Gupta lauded the relentless efforts of security forces and the civil administration in restoring normalcy over the past week under challenging circumstances. He also expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation shown by the people of Ladakh.
Reviewing the welfare measures, Gupta enquired about the condition of the remaining injured undergoing treatment at the Government hospital. He directed the administration and hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care.
He further directed the Deputy Commissioner that, in cases where advanced medical treatment is required outside the UT, the administration must provide all possible humanitarian aid and financial support so that no individual faces hardship or feels neglected.
Appealing to the citizens, the Lt Governor urged people not to pay heed to rumors or misinformation and assured them that peace and harmony will be safeguarded at all costs. He emphasized that the administration, along with security forces, is fully committed to maintaining peace, law, and order across the Union Territory.
He further assured that very soon all restrictions imposed as precautionary measures will be lifted in a phased manner once the situation fully stabilizes.
“Peace and development are the top priorities of the administration. Together, with the cooperation of the people, Ladakh will continue on the path of progress,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UT administration of Ladakh has described as baseless the allegation of victimization of certain individuals including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Government agencies.
“There is no question of witch-hunting. Actions taken by the law enforcement agencies are based on credible inputs and documents. The agencies should be allowed to continue with their investigation impartially without vitiating the process,” an official statement said.
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