Restoration of Internet in Ladakh Talks

Ladakh Peace Talks and Internet Restoration Notes

1. Incident Overview:

   • On September 24, 2025, violence in Leh resulted in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to 90 others, prompting a shutdown of mobile Internet services for 15 days.
   • The unrest was linked to demands for Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

2. Government Response:

   • On October 9, 2025, after peace talks involving local leaders and the Ladakh administration, mobile Internet services were restored.
   • The peace talks were led by Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal and attended by key officials including DGP Ladakh, S.D. Singh Jamwal, and various community leaders.

3. Leh Apex Body (LAB):

   • The LAB is leading the agitation for four primary demands:
     1. Statehood for Ladakh
     2. Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule
     3. An independent judicial probe into the September 24 incident
     4. Lifting of restrictions on assembly (Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023).

4. Judicial and Legislative Context:

   • Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibits assemblies of more than four people. This section is currently under scrutiny by the LAB, which argues that its enforcement exacerbated the unrest.

5. Current Developments:

   • Following the violence, the atmosphere in Leh is stabilizing, with schools, markets, and public transport resuming normal operations.
   • The local deputy commissioner has imposed restrictions against the spread of misinformation on social media, emphasizing the legal consequences for violators.

6. Future Negotiation Conditions:

   • LAB representatives are willing to resume talks with the Centre provided their conditions, including an independent judicial probe and lifting of bans on public assembly, are met.

7. Community Involvement:

   • The peace meeting included diverse community leaders, religious organizations, and political representatives, highlighting a collaborative approach to restoring peace and normalcy in the region.

8. Impacts on Governance:

   • The unrest has drawn attention to the need for constitutional recognition and the rights of Ladakh's residents, emphasizing local governance mechanisms in addressing specific regional issues.

9. Police Actions and Public Sentiment:

   • Local leaders have raised concerns over excessive police measures and ongoing detentions, calling for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

10. Regulatory Measures:

• The order against misinformation is intended to maintain social stability, reflecting governmental strategies to control narratives during periods of unrest.

This report underlines the intricate dynamics between local governance, civil rights, and community responses in the context of recent events in Ladakh, connected by constitutional references and ongoing legislative frameworks.