In the cold desert of the Ladakh region, Leh experiences an atmosphere similar to that of a lockdown owing to the imposition of Section 144 CrPC.
Why is Section 144 CrPC being imposed?
Social activist and acclaimed environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has called for a march on Sunday, April 7, towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in support of the Sixth Schedule and statehood.
The proposed march is said to be the “Pashmina March”.
This particular march has been anticipated to attract large crowds, potentially causing disturbance.
On the basis of credible information from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh. The Leh district magistrate, Santosh Sukhdeva, has imposed such an order. The police stated “the importance of promptly preventing any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, and threats to human life, in light of potential risks to the district’s peace and safety.”
What restrictions are imposed?
The magistrate exercising the powers conferred under Section 144 has imposed the following restrictions:
- No procession/rally/march, etc, shall be taken out by anyone without the prior approval of the District Magistrate, Leh, in writing.
- No one shall use a vehicle-mounted or other loudspeaker at a public gathering without prior approval from the competent authority.
- No one shall make any statement that has the potential to disturb communal harmony and public tranquillity and which may lead to law and order problems in the district.
- All persons shall ensure that they follow the model code of conduct and that all activities are according to the law.
Why the Pashmina March?
Sonam Wangchuk is part of the Leh-based Apex body that comprises social, religious, and political organisations. He had launched a hunger strike for 21 days earlier. After he ended the strike, the women took over the baton on March 27 to hold a protest against the government’s alleged inaction towards their demands.
The apex body of Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance, along with Wangchuk, have been holding fasts and agitation demanding a Sixth schedule and statehood for the UT.
He has also been raising concerns over the climate crisis in the Himalayan region. 
On April 2, 2024, he took on X announcing such a march which is vital to safeguard the fragile environment of the region and the indigenous character of its population, and will be adopting the Gandhian approach in their agitation. We are demanding the fulfilment of the promises made to us by the government, he added.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of the tribal population in these states. This special provision is provided under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
