The restrictions were imposed in Kargil city due to concerns about possible disturbance of public order, according to an official statement quoting the Inspector General of Police.
Kargil District Magistrate, IAS Rakesh Kumar issued the prohibitory orders, which came into effect “with immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders”.
What does the order say?
No unauthorized processions, assemblies, public marches or demonstrations of any type are permitted. In addition, the use of loudspeakers, sound amplification devices or public address systems mounted in the vehicle is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained from the appropriate authority. Further, individuals are prohibited from making any public statements, speeches or statements, whether oral, written or shared via electronic or social media, that may disturb the peace, incite enmity or lead to a breach of law and order. Finally, the gathering of five or more people for the purpose of endangering the public peace is strictly prohibited.
He added, “Any violation of this order will be liable to prosecution under the relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and other applicable laws.
Leh situation after the protests on September 24
Meanwhile, authorities on Friday reimposed restrictions in Ladakh’s Leh district, just two days after authorities there lifted restrictions that had been in place for 22 days following violent clashes during protests on September 24. These protests, demanding statehood and the sixth statute, resulted in four deaths and 90 injuries.
The restrictions were restored due to the Leh Apex Body (LAB) call for a two-hour silent march and three-hour power cut across Ladakh on October 18. This was to show solidarity with the families of those who died in the violence, as well as with the critically injured.
The protest also aimed to draw attention to delays in the release of detained youths, according to a LAB statement.
Read also | Ladakh violence: Leh restrictions lifted 22 days after four killed in protest
On September 24, the district administration imposed bans under Section 163 of the BNSS in Leh, which prohibited gatherings of five or more people.
Officials said no incidents of violence have been reported since then.
The order issued by District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk said, “According to the report received by the Leh SSP today, there is apprehension of disturbance of public peace and tranquility, threat to human life and possibility of law and order problems in the jurisdiction of Leh tehsil.
Read also | Leh reopens days after deadly clashes; the violence investigation will end in 4 weeks
Donk stated that he is convinced that immediate preventive and corrective measures are necessary to ensure public order and peace. “Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the BNSS, I hereby direct that assembly of five or more persons shall remain prohibited within the jurisdiction of Leh tehsil,” the order read.
Read also | MHA orders retired SC judge to probe September 24 violence in Leh
The order further states that “no procession, assembly or march shall be held without the prior written consent of the competent authority”. He also added, “No one shall use vehicle-mounted loudspeakers or other loudspeakers without prior permission from the appropriate authority. Donk further said that individuals shall not make statements that may disturb public peace or cause law and order problems. “As notices cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex-parte,” the official added, warning that violations would result in punitive action.
On Tuesday, the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a fresh round of protests to press their demands for statehood and constitutional guarantees under the Sixth Schedule.
The Center on Friday took a step towards addressing the main demand of the protesters by announcing a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence led by a former Supreme Court judge.
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the protests, was detained by police under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 for allegedly inciting violence. He is currently being held in Jodhpur jail.
