Shops to function from 10 am to 6 pm on Oct 01
Rehan Qayoom / Sajid Raina
Srinagar/Leh, Sep 30 :
With much-needed step toward restoring normalcy, the administration in Leh on Tuesday announced that all market shops in the district will reopen tomorrow (October 1) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, a week after violent protests erupted in the region.
According to an official order issued by the office of the District Magistrate, Leh, the decision to reopen markets has been taken “in continuation of the previous directive” dated September 29.
The order, issued by the Additional District Magistrate, states that “all market shops within Leh district shall remain open tomorrow from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.”
According to details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the step comes as the region remains on edge following violent clashes on September 24, when peaceful demonstrations over constitutional and land rights turned violent, leaving at least four civilians dead and several others injured. The unrest had prompted authorities to impose a curfew across Leh to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, police and civil administration teams have been deployed in sensitive areas to ensure the smooth functioning of markets and to prevent any attempt at disruption. Additional checkpoints and mobile patrols will remain in place, officials said.
Moreover, locals expressed hope for better days ahead with the government’s approach. “People want peace and a return to normal life and we are hopeful the market will soon be fully opened on all days,” said Rigzin Dorje, a shopkeeper in Leh Bazaar.
He said the reopening of markets is a welcome step, tensions have eased and the situation is now returning to normal.
Civil society members and religious leaders have also urged restraint from all sides and called for dialogue to address the underlying issues.
It is worth mentioning that as the region cautiously inches back toward normalcy, authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. “We urge citizens to avoid rumors, cooperate with security forces, and help us maintain law and order as we reopen public spaces,” an official said—(KNO)