Ladakh Protests: Travel To Leh May Be Affected

• Leh protests: Statehood demands led to clashes, BJP office fire.
• Ladakh Festival cancelled due to unrest; tourists advised caution.
• Curfew imposed after 4 deaths; talks scheduled with the Center.

Leh, the gateway to Ladakh’s beautiful landscapes, has recently witnessed heat in the form of an unrest that could impact visitors to the region. On Wednesday,

September 24, massive protests erupted in Leh as demonstrators clashed with police, escalating into violence that saw a BJP office and a police vehicle set ablaze. The demonstrations, driven by demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, mark a significant moment in the ongoing political agitation in the Union Territory.

Ladakh Festival Cancelled

Ladakh Protests were also the reason why the annual Ladakh Festival, which celebrates the region's culture, sports and local arts and draws tourists from across India and the world, was cancelled. The festival, which began on September 21, was scheduled to conclude on September 24 with a grand closing ceremony that was going to be attended by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, but the finale was cancelled following clashes between protesters and police. For travellers, this disruption not only affects sightseeing plans but also cultural experiences that are a key highlight of visiting Leh.

As per reports, the situation has intensified further and a curfew has been imposed on Thursday, following a day of violent protests which saw four people being killed and over 80 injured. The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which led the protests, had called for a Ladakh Bandh to press for dialogue with the Centre on statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Ladakh Travel Advisory

While no official travel advisory has been issued, tourists currently in the area should exercise caution. Areas around administrative offices, particularly Potala Road and the site of the BJP office, should be avoided. Ideally, you should avoid travelling to Ladakh till October 6, which is the day the Union government has scheduled talks with Ladakh representatives to address the protesters’ demand. If you’re already in and around Leh, you should also:

• Stay updated via local news and police announcements.
• Avoid crowded areas and non-essential travel in Leh and Kargil districts.
• Contact local authorities for safe routes or temporary shelter if needed.
• International tourists should register with their embassy or consulate.
• Keep family and friends informed via mobile or social media.

Earlier in August, Ladakh had witnessed its first snowfall of the year, marking an early onset of winters in the region, with snow covering high-altitude passes like Kargil and Drass. While Septembers marks the fag end of the peak season for Ladakh, it continues to be a popular time for travellers since the roads are still accessible for a while before closing down for the year.