Ladakh to observe silent march, blackout on October 18

Two days after announcing plans for a silent march, Ladakh leaders on Thursday confirmed that the protest will be held across the region on Saturday.

The announcement of fresh protest comes following the recent lifting of restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These restrictions had been enforced after the violence on September 24, which left four people dead and nearly 100 injured.

At a press conference, LAB leaders said the silent peace march will begin from Leh’s Singay Namgyal Chowk and proceed to Shanti Stupa on Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. Additionally, a blackout will be observed across Ladakh from 6 pm to 9 pm to honour those who lost their lives or were injured during the protests.

“The main reason for holding this peaceful march on Saturday is the delay in holding talks and fulfilling fresh demands, including a judicial probe into the firing,” said LAB co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakruk.

Lakruk added that silent marches will be held at all block levels across Ladakh. “We want to send a message that all is not well in Ladakh. It will be a completely silent and peaceful march, with participants wearing black armbands. We expect 10,000 to 20,000 people to take part,” he said.

He also noted that the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), another key group in the ongoing movement, is supporting the protest plan.

On Tuesday, the LAB and KDA had issued a stern warning to the authorities, urging the government to meet their demands or risk the silent protest turning into a powerful storm.

With the protest scheduled for Saturday, security agencies are preparing to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. A security official said on Thursday, “We are hoping this passes peacefully.”