Kargil Democratic Alliance condemns Leh admin’s crackdown on peaceful protests

Leh, Apr 06: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has vehemently denounced the recent actions taken by the Leh Administration to suppress peaceful protests within the region. The imposition of Section 144 in Leh district, coupled with the deliberate reduction of internet speeds, is seen as a concerted effort to stifle public dissent and curtail the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
According to the KDA, these measures are aimed at thwarting the Pashmina march, led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and supported by the Leh APEX body, which seeks to highlight the plight of the Changpa nomadic tribes. The KDA asserts that such oppressive tactics not only infringe upon constitutional rights but also undermine the essence of democracy itself.
In response to these developments, the Kargil Democratic Alliance has called for the immediate revocation of Section 144 and the restoration of unrestricted internet access for residents of Leh. Additionally, they urge the administration to engage in transparent dialogue with protesters to address their grievances democratically.
Despite the crackdown, activists remain committed to peaceful means of protest, with Sonam Wangchuk emphasizing their belief in peace and the intention to peacefully highlight their demands. However, concerns have been raised about the escalating tension in the region, with the administration accused of overreacting and turning Leh into a “war-like zone.”
As a result of these developments and the widespread awareness of the issues facing the Changpa nomadic tribes, the leaders of the Apex Body have decided to call off the Pashmina March scheduled for April 7th. The ongoing peaceful fast, however, will continue as a form of protest.
Meanwhile Ahead of the Pashmina Border March scheduled for Sunday, the Ladakh administration on Friday imposed CrPC section 144 in Leh while the police suspended the high-speed mobile internet services and decided to temporarily reduce mobile data services in Leh prohibiting the organisation of any kind of processions, rallies, or marches, even as the high-speed mobile internet services have also been ordered to be snapped for a period of 24 hours from Saturday evening till Sunday evening.
Section 144 prohibits large assemblies of four or more people. Sonam Wangchuk, who was to lead the march of civil society towards the China border, expressed his shock over the development, and alleged that the authorities have been restricting people coming from other villages to join the ‘peaceful’ demonstration in Leh.