LEH: The administration in the Ladakh region of Indian-illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, under the control of the New Delhi-imposed Lieutenant Governor, has imposed strict restrictions in Leh district to block a planned protest march.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Leh Apex Body had called for a peaceful march today to express solidarity with the families of four civilians who were killed by Indian forces on September 24 in Leh town. The protest was also aimed at demanding statehood for Ladakh, the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and the release of detained youth. The call for today’s march was also supported by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
However, District Magistrate Romail Singh Donk issued orders to impose severe restrictions in Leh, specifically prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, rallies, public assemblies, and the use of loudspeakers. The mobile internet services have also been snapped in the entire Ladakh region.
On September 24, Indian forces opened fire on protesters in Leh, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. In the wake of the killings, the Indian authorities have detained numerous individuals, including the prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, a vocal advocate for the rights of Ladakhis. Wangchuk is currently imprisoned in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan under the draconian National Security Act (NSA).
The imposition of these restrictions reflects the ongoing repression of dissent and peaceful protests in Ladakh, as authorities seek to suppress calls for greater autonomy for the people of Ladakh.
IIOJK HC directs authorities to ensure detained MLA Mehraj Malik can vote in Rajya Sabha polls
The High Court of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has directed the National Conference-led government to ensure that detained MLA Mehraj Malik is allowed to vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections for four seats in the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the court’s directive came following an application filed by Malik, who sought permission to participate in the upcoming IIOJK Assembly session, scheduled to begin in Srinagar on October 23, and to cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha election set for the following day. Malik, a legislator, has been incarcerated in Kathua jail under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) since September 8.
Malik’s legal counsels emphasized that the application be urgently considered. In response, Justice Rajesh Sekhri instructed the IIOJK government to ensure that Malik is granted the opportunity to vote in the Rajya Sabha election.
The defense team also informed the court that postal ballots had already been dispatched to Kathua jail for Malik’s use.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that IIOJK Legislative Assembly Secretary Manoj Pandit, who is serving as the returning officer for the Rajya Sabha polls, has sent three postal ballots to Kathua jail, in accordance with the law, to allow the detained legislator to participate in the election process.
For this election, two Rajya Sabha seats will be contested separately, while the other two will be grouped together under a common notification, allowing each legislator to cast three votes.
