Srinagar, Sept 24: Amid a shutdown call in Kargil district tomorrow over the demand for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, the District Magistrate of Kargil has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The order, issued by District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar, IAS, followed inputs from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kargil, who cautioned of an apprehension of disturbance to public order in the district.
The administration as per Kashmir Dot Com has barred all rallies, processions, demonstrations, and public gatherings without prior permission, restricted the use of loudspeakers, and warned against provocative statements or assemblies that could threaten peace and tranquillity. Any violation of the order, which comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further orders, will invite penal action under relevant provisions of the BNS and other applicable laws.
The development comes in the backdrop of violent clashes in Leh, when protests led by the Ladakh Apex Body over statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards turned violent, leaving four people dead and more than thirty injured after police opened fire on mobs that attacked the BJP office, the Leh Chief Executive Councillor’s premises, and security installations. The unrest has sharpened tensions across Ladakh, where resentment has been brewing for months despite the Union Government’s assurances that talks with Ladakhi leaders are progressing through the High-Powered Committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
While the Centre has highlighted concessions such as enhanced Scheduled Tribe reservations, reservation for women in local councils, recognition of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and new recruitment initiatives, leaders of the movement, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, have accused the government of dragging its feet on constitutional safeguards. Another round of consultations between Ladakhi representatives and the Home Ministry is scheduled for September 25 and 26, followed by a meeting of the High-Powered Committee on October 6.
Against this volatile backdrop, the Kargil administration has moved swiftly to curb any escalation by invoking its powers under Section 163 of the BNS. Officials said the order has been circulated across the district for strict compliance and wide publicity in the interest of maintaining public peace. (KDC)
