Leh apex body cancels border march in Ladakh, says peaceful protest will continue

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Leh,: Accusing the administration of turning Leh into a “war zone” ahead of the March on the China border on April 7, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Saturday said it would “not allow any form of protest”. is withdrawing the proposed event to avoid conflict with law enforcement.”

 

Addressing a press conference here, LAB leaders, including its chairman Cherang Dorje and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuck, said they have already done their part to create awareness among the people of the country about the plight of farmers. have achieved the goal, who are reportedly losing prime grazing land. Large industrial plants in the south and “Chinese encroachments” in the north.

 

LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is leading a movement for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. LAB leaders said they would continue their struggle peacefully through a series of hunger strikes and protests.

 

“Looking at the current situation (in Leh), this government is acting like a mad elephant that does not care about national security or the sentiments of the people and their problems. Its only concern is to win elections and it can prevent people from marching even at the cost of using violence.

 

“We are concerned about national security and a peaceful environment. Secondly, our objective of creating awareness in the country about the situation on the ground in Ladakh has been achieved, so we are in the interest of the people and law enforcement agencies. are withdrawing the proposed border march to avoid clashes,” Wangchak told reporters.

 

LAB had announced a “Border (Pashmina) March” to Chang Thang near the China border to highlight the plight of the herdsmen.

 

In a move apparently aimed at countering the march, Leh District Magistrate (DM) Santosh Sukhadev on Friday said prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 of the Penal Code will come into force on April 7 and directed that any procession Don’t get kicked out. A rally or march should be held without its prior approval.

 

The DM said that the Senior Superintendent of Police has informed about reliable information indicating a possible breach of peace and public tranquility in the district.

 

“No one shall use vehicle-mounted or other loudspeakers without the prior approval of the competent authority. No public gathering shall be permitted without the prior approval of the competent authority. Have the potential to disrupt harmony and public peace and cause law and order problems in the district,” the DM’s order said.

 

“All persons should ensure that they adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and that all activities are in accordance with the law.”

 

In a separate order, Additional Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal ordered 3G, 4G and 5G connections and speed of internet and mobile data services of public 5G Wi-Fi facilities to be reduced to 2G within a 10-km radius of Leh. . City for 24 hours from 6pm on Saturday.

 

In another order, the DM banned posting or sharing messages on social media that could lead to communal harmony, disturbance of peace and order and law and order situation in the district.

 

“It shall be the responsibility of the administrators of WhatsApp groups or social media platforms to monitor and filter such content immediately,” the order said.

 

Wangchuck said he expected the government to stop the march because “there are a lot of things to keep under wraps. The ban before the border march is an overreaction.”

 

He said the deployment of police and paramilitary forces in full riot gear, calling volunteers to police stations and threatening them, besides injuring people after turning Leh into a “war zone” showed this. That there are possibilities of conflict under a good thought. Conspiracy to sabotage the movement for democratic rights of Ladakhis.

 

Wangchuck, who is on hunger strike for 21 days till March 26, said he strongly believes in peace and peaceful means to highlight his demands, including those related to the current situation of pashmina herders.

 

LAB called for immediate withdrawal of prohibitory orders and restoration of internet services to normal speed to avoid any inconvenience to people especially patients, tourists and students. (CNI)

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