‘No rallies’: Strict restrictions on loudspeakers, provocative speeches imposed in Kargil with ‘immediate effect’

Restrictions have been imposed in Kargil Town following concerns over potential disturbances to public order, according to an official release citing the Senior Superintendent of Police.

District Magistrate in Kargil, IAS Rakesh Kumar issued prohibitory orders which came into force "with immediate effect and shall remain operational until further orders”.

What does the order say?

No unauthorised processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations of any type are permitted. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, sound amplification devices, or vehicle-mounted public address systems is prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained from the competent authority. Furthermore, individuals are barred from making any public statements, speeches, or declarations, whether oral, written, or shared via electronic or social media that could disrupt peace, incite hostility, or lead to a breach of law and order. Lastly, gatherings of five or more people for purposes that may jeopardise public tranquility are strictly forbidden.

It added, “Any violation of this order shall be liable for penal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and other applicable laws.”

Leh situation after September 24 protests

Meanwhile, the authorities on Friday reimposed restrictions in Leh district of Ladakh just two days after authorities lifted restrictions there, which had been in place for 22 days following violent clashes during protests on September 24. These protests, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule Status, resulted in four deaths and 90 injuries.

The restrictions were reinstated due to the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) call for a two-hour silent march and a three-hour blackout across Ladakh on October 18. This was intended to show solidarity with the families of those who died in the violence, as well as the critically injured.

The protest also aimed to highlight the delay in releasing detained youth, according to a statement from the LAB.

On September 24, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in Leh, banning gatherings of five or more people.

Officials stated that no incidents of violence had been reported since then.

An order issued by District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk said, “According to a report received from the Leh SSP today, there is an apprehension of disturbance to public peace and tranquillity, danger to human life and a possibility of a law and order problem within the jurisdiction of Leh tehsil.”

Donk stated that he was convinced immediate preventive and remedial actions were necessary to ensure public order and peace. “Therefore, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 163 of the BNSS, I hereby direct that assembly of five or more persons shall remain prohibited within the jurisdiction of Leh tehsil,” the order said.

The order further noted that “no procession, rally or march shall be carried out without prior written approval of the competent authority". It also added, “No one shall use vehicle-mounted or other loudspeakers without prior permission from the competent authority.” Additionally, Donk said that individuals must not make statements that could disrupt public tranquillity or cause a law and order issue. “As notice cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex-parte,” the official added, warning that violations would result in punitive measures.

On Tuesday, the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) declared a new round of protests to press their demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

The Centre on Friday took a step toward addressing a major demand of the protestors by announcing a judicial inquiry, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, into the violent events of September 24.

Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the protests, was detained by police under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 for allegedly inciting the violence. He is currently held at Jodhpur jail.