Four-hour relaxation in curfew announced in Leh; forces deployed in strength
Leh, Sept 30 (PTI) Authorities announced that the week-long curfew in Leh town will be relaxed for four hours from 10 am on Tuesday and directed shopkeepers to open their establishments, officials said.
The restrictions were relaxed for two hours from 4 pm on Monday, shortly after completion of the last rites of four people — including a retired Army personnel — who lost their lives in the widespread clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies on September 24.
A police official said a decision to further extend the relaxation in curfew-bound areas will be taken depending on the emerging situation as the day advances.
Additional District Magistrate in Leh, Ghulam Mohammed, ordered opening of all groceries, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops during the relaxation period.
“Barring the violence last Wednesday, there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere. Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in strength in the sensitive areas and are maintaining strict vigil to maintain law and order,” the official said.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been chairing high-level security review meetings almost on a daily basis. On Monday, he appealed to the people to maintain peace, calling it “the cornerstone of development”.
“I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity and progress,” Gupta had said.
He also hailed the people for showing remarkable restraint and commitment in challenging circumstances and promised to address their every legitimate issue through dialogue and democratic means.
