Amid restrictions, the cremation of the bodies of two of the four people killed on September 24, in the violent protest over the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, took place on Sunday.
Leh city wore a deserted look as restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) remained in force for the fifth day. Police and CRPF were deployed in strength, and roads and intersections were sealed with concertina wire.
Thin vehicular movement was witnessed on the roads, while pedestrian movement was negligible. All shops and commercial establishments remained closed, except pharmacies.
The bodies of Stanzin Namgyal of Igoo and Jigmet Dorjey of Kharanki were taken under heavy police security to the crematorium at 2pm.
Media access was stopped beyond Singay Namgyal Chowk, a landmark in Leh. Neighbours and residents from different parts of Leh arrived at Namgyal’s house this morning to pay their respects.
A small group of youngsters, including some girls, witnessed the funeral with teary eyes, carrying a piece of shining white cloth in their hands at the King Singay Namgyal Chowk. A young boy, who wished not to be named, said the killing of four people had come as a shock to people in Leh. “We are proud Indians, and all we want is constitutional safeguards for Ladakh,” he said.
Restrictions have left hundreds struggling to buy essentials, especially food. Migrant labourers from Doda in Jammu complained of shortages.
“Yesterday, restrictions were eased briefly, and we managed to replenish stocks. If this continues, we will run out of food,” said Farooq Ahmed Wani of Dasu.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), spearheading the agitation, postponed a press conference to Monday.
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The protest erupted after two elderly participants in Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike were hospitalised.
Wangchuk, an environmentalist and educator, began his 35-day strike on September 10, pressing for statehood and the Sixth Schedule. Though the home ministry scheduled talks with LAB and KDA for October 6, he demanded urgency, warning the youth were growing impatient and might act in ways that could “embarrass India.”
The protest turned violent as mobs vandalised the Ladakh Hill Council building, set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party office, and damaged vehicles, including one belonging to the police. Security forces opened fire, leaving four dead and 90 injured.