Section 144 Imposed in Ladakh’s Leh Ahead of Sonam Wangchuk’s ‘Pashmina March’

Section 144 has been imposed in Ladakh’s Leh ahead of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s planned ‘Pashmina march,’ scheduled for April 7 in areas along the Line of Actual Control.

District Magistrate Santosh Sukhadeve, in his order, stated that the Superintendent of Police of the district has reported reliable indications of apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity in the district.

“Whereas, it is desirable that any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, or danger to human life be immediately prevented. Therefore, I, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, District Magistrate, Leh, satisfied with the report of Sr. Superintendent of Police, Leh, and in the exercise of powers vested in me under Section 144 of CrPC, 1973, issue the following directions:

1. No procession/rally/march, etc., shall be taken out by anyone without the prior approval of the District Magistrate, Leh, in writing.
2. No one shall use the vehicles mounted or other loudspeakers without prior approval from the competent authority.
3. No public gathering, without the prior approval of the competent authority, shall be allowed.
4. No one shall make any statements, which has the potential to disturb communal harmony, and public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problems in the district.
5. All persons shall ensure that they follow the model code of conduct and that all activities are according to the law,” the order issued on Friday said.

The ‘Pashmina March’ is organized to protest the alleged Chinese incursions into grazing areas of Ladakh and to highlight the “ground realities” in the ecologically fragile region.