October 19, 2025

The calm in Ladakh was shaken as authorities in Leh halted a planned silent march by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). On Saturday, under heavy security and with mobile internet suspended, the silent march could not take place in Leh. But not to be outdone, Kargil witnessed a peaceful silent march where people walked quietly wearing black bands and shouting their demands for statehood and special safeguards under the constitution’s sixth schedule. Police and paramilitary forces stood guard in full strength in Leh to prevent gatherings. They imposed strict rules like prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS and shut down schools to keep peace. This was all because the groups wanted to hold a two-hour silent march starting 10 am, followed by a three-hour blackout from 6 pm across Ladakh. This was to honor those who died, got hurt, or were detained during the violence on September 24. Ashraf Ali Barcha, an important LAB member and president of Anjuman Imamia, expressed his frustration: "We have called for a silent march to peacefully highlight our demands but the administration, by using its might, have demonstrated its failure. They have deployed forces in strength and did not allow the people to assemble for the march." He urged the government to sit and talk rather than using force. Abdul Qayoom, chief of Anjuman Moin ul Islam, revealed that LAB’s co-chairman, Chering Dorjay, was placed under house arrest. He appealed to people not to try to gather because of heavy security and warned, "We do not want any confrontation and will not allow anyone to fail the talks (with the centre government). We will meet again and decide the future course of action." Meanwhile, in Kargil, hundreds joined a peaceful silent march from Hussaini Park to the main bus stand. Led by KDA’s Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, the crowd carried banners demanding statehood and sixth schedule protections. Sajjad Kargali spoke passionately, saying, "We welcome the centre's decision to order a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh and want the government to announce unconditional release of all detained persons including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and adequate compensation for the families of four slain persons and those injured." Karbalai also condemned the tough restrictions in Leh, calling them "not acceptable to the peace loving people of Ladakh." He pressed the government to do two things before restarting talks: announce compensation for victims and free detained persons. "We are always in favour of talks -- in the past, today and tomorrow. The talks should focus on statehood and sixth schedule extension," he declared. With fiery spirit, Karbalai added, "The people of Ladakh are not tired or ready to bow and cannot be frightened as well. We are ready for any type of sacrifice for our legitimate demands." He thanked civil society across India for supporting Ladakhis after the violence. He also demanded action against those who tried to brand Ladakhis as anti-national. The scene is set: while Leh remains locked down and silent, voices from Kargil roar loud for justice and the dream of statehood.

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Tags: Leh apex body, Kargil democratic alliance, Silent march, Leh violence, Statehood demand, Judicial probe,