Leh, Sep 26: Curfew remained in place in Leh town for the third straight day on Friday as a Ministry of Home Affairs team held a series of meetings to assess the security scenario, officials said. No fresh incidents were reported.
The curfew was imposed Wednesday evening after violent clashes during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) left four people dead and 90 injured. Over 50 people have since been detained, with prohibitory orders also enforced in Kargil and other towns. Security forces in riot gear continue to patrol the streets.
Residents have complained of shortages of essentials such as ration, milk and vegetables. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk has ordered closure of schools, colleges and anganwadi centres for two days.
The visiting MHA team met the Lt Governor, civil and police officials, and LAB representatives. It was decided that a preparatory meeting with the ministry will take place in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, followed by talks with a High Powered Committee of LAB and KDA members on a four-point agenda.
LAB and KDA have been pressing for statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and a Public Service Commission. The next official round of talks with the Centre is set for October 6.
In Kargil, shops reopened on Friday after a shutdown called by KDA, though heavy security deployment remains in place in sensitive areas.
