The recent unrest in Leh, Ladakh, and the subsequent response from the administration highlight a deeply charged atmosphere of conflict and resolution. The Ladakh administration, along with local leaders including the Leh Apex Body (LAB), held a crucial peace dialogue on Thursday, October 9, 2025, which paved the way for restoring mobile Internet services—a vital step after a two-week suspension following the tragic events of September 24. On that day, four civilians lost their lives and about 90 others were injured during violent protests over demands for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Romil Singh Donk, the Deputy Commissioner of Leh, confirmed to The Hindu that mobile Internet services have been reinstated as a result of the talks. This restoration came only after the peace discussions proved successful, involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society representatives, and political figures from Leh. The meeting was attended by senior officials, featuring the Director General of Police of Ladakh, S.D. Singh Jamwal, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This gathering was the first of its kind since the conflict erupted and was chaired by Ladakh’s Chief Secretary, Pawan Kotwal. He explained that the leadership of Leh was actively invited, bringing together respected community figures such as rinpoches, LAB members, and representatives from various political parties. The central focus was on charting a path back to peace and stability following the upheaval.
Chief Secretary Kotwal emphasized that the meeting acknowledged the concerns and demands voiced by the community leaders. He stressed the necessity of bridging the divisions caused by recent incidents, highlighting that collaboration between the administration and civil society is essential to foster lasting peace and prosperity in Ladakh.
Participating in the talks were notable figures such as LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk, along with representatives from Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian organizations, and political leaders from the Congress and BJP. The LAB has been at the forefront of advocating for four core demands, including Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
However, the discussions revealed underlying tensions and distrust. Mr. Lakruk expressed that confidence-building measures were crucial but remain challenging. He highlighted ongoing issues with police actions, including what he described as excessive measures and continued detentions of locals. According to him, the situation can only normalize when these practices cease.
Lakruk reiterated LAB’s call for an independent judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident, where security forces fatally fired on protesters. He criticized the delay in announcing such a probe and demanded the lifting of the Internet ban and the repeal of Section 163, which restricts gatherings of more than four people. Only with these steps in place, he argued, could one genuinely claim that normalcy is returning to Leh.
Tensions escalated after the violence and the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 26, a prominent defender of the Statehood and Sixth Schedule cause. This led to the collapse of scheduled talks between the Centre and Ladakh on October 6, as both LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, a coalition of social, religious, and political groups, withdrew, demanding Wangchuk’s release.
Despite the rocky situation, Mr. Lakruk indicated that the LAB is still open to dialogue, provided the Centre meets their stipulated conditions. He hinted that fulfilling these conditions was essential for renewed discussions but refrained from elaborating on the specifics.
Signs of a return to routine were visible in Leh, where schools, markets, and public transportation reopened after a prolonged curfew. This is a significant move towards restoring day-to-day life after the unrest.
In parallel, the Leh deputy commissioner issued a directive outlawing the spread of fake news, rumors, and misinformation on social media platforms within the district. According to the order, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, all social media users must avoid sharing unchecked content. Administrators of WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube groups were instructed to vigilantly monitor their platforms, remove misleading posts, and enable “Admin Only” controls where possible.
The order sternly warned that violators would face strict legal consequences under relevant laws. It will remain effective for two months starting October 9, 2025, or until further notice, whichever comes first.
But here’s where things get controversial: Is the restoration of Internet access truly a sign of peace, or a strategic move to control the narrative and suppress dissent? And with ongoing demands for judicial probes and lifting of restrictive laws, how ready is the administration to genuinely address the root causes? What do you think—are these peace talks a genuine path forward or a temporary bandage on a deeper wound? Share your views below!
