Authorities in Ladakh have lifted Section 163 restrictions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNNS) in Leh and Kargil after assessing that the situation has normalized.
Authorities in Ladakh have lifted Section 163 restrictions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNNS) in Leh and Kargil after assessing that the situation has normalized.
LEH/KARGIL: Authorities in Ladakh have withdrawn restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNNS), which prohibited the assembly of five or more people, officials said on Tuesday.
The deputy commissioners of Leh and Kargil districts issued separate orders on Monday lifting the restrictions, which had been in place to prevent any potential breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquillity in the region.
The curbs were first imposed across the Union Territory on September 24 following widespread violence in Leh that left four people dead and several others injured. The restrictions, which were initially lifted after nearly three weeks, were reimposed on October 17 amid a protest call by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Both groups have been leading an agitation seeking statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Talks between the two groups and the Centre resumed on October 22 after a five-month pause, just days after the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence—a key demand of the protesters.
Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk said the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had reported on October 24 that there was no longer any imminent threat to peace or public order, recommending the withdrawal of restrictions in Leh tehsil.
“Therefore, I do hereby withdraw the restrictions with immediate effect,” Donk stated in his order.
Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar issued a similar order after receiving a communication from the SSP, confirming that the situation in Kargil had also normalized.
