Curfew relaxed in Leh amid mounting pressure for judicial probe into firing

A day after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) announced the suspension of talks with the Centre until their fresh demands — including a judicial probe into the September 24 violence — are met, the families of those killed in the firing echoed the same demand. Meanwhile, authorities on Tuesday further relaxed the curfew.

Four people, including a Kargil war veteran, were killed and nearly 100 others injured after security forces opened fire during violent clashes on September 24.

The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been leading the agitation, have put forward several new demands, including a judicial probe into the incident and the release of those detained in the aftermath of the clashes.

“My son was killed in the firing. We demand a judicial inquiry that can uncover the truth and fix accountability,” said Stanzin Namgial, a retired Army personnel, whose 45-year-old son Tsewang Tharchin — also a former Army man — was among those killed.

Another family member of a deceased victim alleged that the security forces fired on unarmed protestors. “Only a probe can reveal what happened. We have never seen anything like this — such excessive force used against protestors. No water cannons, not even rubber bullets,” said the uncle of one of the deceased.

Not just the LAB and KDA, even the local BJP unit has called for a “thorough investigation” to ensure “accountability and justice.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the administration relaxed the curfew and ordered that essential services, including groceries, hardware, and vegetable shops, will remain open from 10 am to 2 pm. The order was later extended until 5 pm.

The Ladakh administration also announced that all markets would remain open from 10 am to 6 pm on Wednesday.

“It’s a positive development,” said a senior police officer, adding that if the situation remains stable, curfew relaxation may continue.

As restrictions were eased, residents flocked to markets, with many areas in the city experiencing traffic jams. “I opened my shop today for the second time in the past week. People are mostly buying essential items,” said a woman from Nepal, who sells garments in the main market area of Leh.

Since the September 24 violence, curfew relaxations have been granted twice — first on Saturday and then today. On Sunday and Monday, during the final rites of the four deceased, Leh town was heavily fortified, with a large security presence deployed across key areas.