Video: Amid curfew, streets in Ladakh's Leh left deserted, tourism hit

A curfew was imposed in Leh town after violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB).

Published on: Sep 30, 2025, 12:11:23 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The violence-hit town of Leh in Ladakh was left deserted after many establishments remained closed on Tuesday, a sign that the region is still recovering from the unrest which led to the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Meanwhile, Ladakh’s tourism sector has also witnessed a setback due to the curfew in Leh.

Visuals showed empty streets, minimal vehicle movement, and a heavy presence of security personnel. (PTI)

On Tuesday, officials announced that the week-long curfew in Leh was relaxed for four hours starting at 10 am. The authorities also asked shopkeepers to open their establishments.

ALSO READ | 'Always open for dialogue': MHA after Leh apex body's 'normalcy' demand

However, much of the situation in the tense town remained the same. Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed empty streets, minimal vehicle movement, and a heavy presence of security personnel.

Under the curfew restrictions, the district has banned the assembly of five or more persons. Processions, rallies, and marches are also prohibited without prior permission.

4-hour relaxation in curfew

Starting at 10 am on Tuesday, officials announced a four-hour relaxation in the week-long curfew in Leh town.

On Monday as well, the restrictions were relaxed for two hours from 4 p.m.

Ghulam Mohammed, Additional District Magistrate in Leh, ordered that all grocery shops, essential services, hardware, and vegetable shops be opened 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 told ANI.

However, officials have said that mobile internet services continue to be suspended in Leh town.

Ladakh violence

A curfew was imposed in Leh town on September 24 after violent protests during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB).

Over 60 people were taken into custody following the incident. This included Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act on September 26.

Four people were killed and more than 150 others were injured in the clashes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.