The Ladakh administration has imposed restrictions under section 163 of BNSS in the Kargil district of the Ladakh Union Territory to prevent untoward incidents during Saturday’s peaceful silent march and blackout called unanimously by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
The District Magistrate of Kargil, IAS officer Rakesh Kumar, enforced prohibitory orders “with immediate effect and shall remain operational until further orders”.
As per the order, a prior written approval of the competent authority is required to hold a procession, rally, or march in the district. Furthermore, written permission from the competent authority is also required before the use of any loudspeaker or sound amplifier by any individual or organization.
“No person shall issue or make any public statement, speech, or declaration—whether oral, written, or disseminated through electronic or social media—that may disturb public peace, incite enmity, or lead to any breach of law and order,” the order said.
“This is very unfortunate. Our voice is being suppressed. This is a condemnable act. Despite the restrictions, protests took place in different areas of Kargil. I believe it’s a good thing — it shows that we are standing up to protect our freedom. The right to protest is our fundamental right,” Kargil activist Sajjad Kargili said on speaking to FoEJ Media.
Taking to social media platform X he said: “Amid peaceful silent march in Ladakh, Leh DM reimposes Section 163, banning gatherings, rallies and loudspeakers without permission. This is nothing but colonial-style treatment with the people of Ladakh — proof of how the UT experiment has failed in Ladakh.”
Restrictions were also reimposed in the Leh district of Ladakh on Friday just a couple of days after authorities lifted the restrictions there, which lasted for 22 days ahead of violent clashes amidst the ongoing protest demanding statehood and sixth schedule status, which claimed the lives of four people and injured 90 others.
