Curfew was relaxed for the first time on Saturday in Ladakh’s violence affected Leh city. In the afternoon, this exemption was given for four hours in a phased manner in the old cities and new areas. In the presence of police and paramilitary forces, people were seen standing in queues to withdraw cash from essential commodities and ATMs. During this time, no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.
Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal said that in the old city from 1 pm to 3 pm and in new areas from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. This decision was taken after a high -level security review meeting held at Raj Bhavan under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Kavindra Gupta. The violence started on Wednesday when there was a ruckus during the bandh called by Leh Apex Body.
This closed state status and demand for implementation of the sixth schedule of the Constitution in Ladakh. On seeing this, the situation deteriorated, 4 people died and more than 90 were injured. After this, curfew was imposed in the entire city. Late on Friday night, the administration said that examples like Sonam Wangchuk’s inflammatory speeches and Nepal movement had prepared the land of violence.
The DGP said on Saturday that Sonam Wangchuk is the main mastermind of violence. His relations with Pakistan are under investigation. Last month, a Pakistani intelligence agent was arrested, who sent videos of demonstrations under the leadership of Sonam Wangchuk from across the border. Wangchuk’s foreign trips are also suspicious. He took part in a program of The Dawn in Pakistan.
He also traveled to Bangladesh. The police chief said that investigation of foreign funding and FCRA violations is also going on against him. Wangchuk tried to thwart the conversation between the Center and Ladakh representatives. An informal meeting was to be held on 25 September, but inflammatory videos and statements emerged a day before that. Due to this, violence erupted.
Lieutenant Governor Kavindra Gupta, linking the violence to the foreign conspiracy, said that three Nepali citizens were found injured by being shot. The involvement of some other external elements is also under investigation. The police have so far detained more than 50 people, of which half a dozen are considered to be the main kingpin. A local councilor is also accused of inciting violence. His search is on.
The police officer said that institutions, buildings and vehicles were set on fire due to inflammatory speeches and misleading videos of Sonam Wangchuk. Policemen were attacked and the situation got out of control. Violence could have been avoided if Wangchuk had accepted the offer of conversation and ended the hunger strike. But he did not do so. The movement continued.
The Ladakh police chief also said that Sonam Wangchuk has been kept in the external jail, so that the atmosphere of the city did not deteriorate due to his role. The administration claims that it is a thoughtful step taken under NSA. With this, peace can be restored in Leh. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the funeral of four people who lost their lives in violence.
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