Rehan Qayoom Mir
Leh, Sep 27: Curbs imposed in Leh have been eased in phases on Saturday as the shops reopened in the markets for the limited hours, giving an indication of returning to normalcy.
While many shops remain closed and schools continue to be shut, a controlled routine has started returning as authorities ease restrictions in phases.
Days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status rocked Ladakh, killing four and injuring over more than 60, the district is still under restrictions, but with a slight relaxation today.
Curfew remained in place and gatherings of more than five people are still banned under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), though essential movement is now being permitted. The security forces continue to maintain a close watch across the region.
He added that earlier he had not earned a single rupee during the shutdown week, but now hopes sales will gradually pick up.
Schools continued to remain closed while the vehicular movement was also thin on the roads.
Earlier, an order issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, stated that shops selling groceries and vegetables are now allowed to open under a fixed schedule: from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Leh town and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM in peripheral areas like Choglamsar, Phyang and Spituk.
The order mentions: “In view of the prevailing situation and to ensure access to essential goods and services, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate, Leh. After deliberation, the following decisions were taken to open only the shops of grocery items and vegetables as per the following schedule…”
The directive also states that traffic police and magistrates will monitor the movement of vehicles to ensure smooth implementation.
Meanwhile, traders from outside Ladakh who have close ties with the region also look forward to a full revival. Farooq Khan, a trader from Baramulla, said the reopening of some activity is encouraging.
“We used to bring goods here every month. The past days were tough with business completely halted. But now that transport may soon resume, we hope trade gets back on track. More than business, we just pray for everyone’s safety,” he said.
