After week-long curfew, curbs eased for full day in Leh; markets return to life

Authorities relaxed the curfew for almost the entire day on Tuesday in the violence-hit Leh town of Ladakh, allowing markets to gradually reopen and providing relief to the people who were reeling under week-long curbs, officials said.

Earlier, restrictions were eased for two hours from 4 pm on Monday, shortly after completion of the last rites of four people -- including a retired Army man -- who lost their lives in the widespread clashes between protesters and security personnel on September 24.

"Barring the violence last Wednesday, there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere. Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength as a precautionary measure in the sensitive areas and are maintaining strict vigil to maintain law and order," a police official said.

The curfew was initially relaxed from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday and the period was subsequently extended till 5 pm. With the situation remaining by and large peaceful, the authorities did not go for restrictions after 5 pm, but the shopkeepers downed the shutters of their establishments at the end of the relaxation deadline on their own, the officials said.

While the markets were teeming with people and vehicles were also plying on all routes, educational institutes remained closed, they said.

Additional District Magistrate in Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, earlier ordered the opening of all grocery stores, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops during the relaxation period.

Earlier on Saturday, the curfew was relaxed for the first time for two hours each from 1 pm and from 3.30 pm in separate areas.

The officials said mobile internet services continued to be suspended in Leh town, and prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons are still in force in other major parts of the Union Territory, including Kargil.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been chairing high-level security review meetings almost on a daily basis. On Monday, he appealed to the people to maintain peace, calling it "the cornerstone of development".

"I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity and progress," Gupta had said.

He also hailed the people for showing remarkable restraint and commitment in challenging circumstances and promised to address their every legitimate issue through dialogue and democratic means.