Leh is being turned into ‘war zone’: Sonam Wangchuk says ahead of his 'Pashmina March'
Prohibitory orders, along with internet restrictions, have been enforced in Ladakh ahead of the scheduled border march led by renowned climate activist and education reformer, Sonam Wangchuk. The march, termed the 'Pashmina March', was intended to draw attention to the ground realities in Ladakh and was part of the ongoing agitation for statehood. Wangchuk, who is currently observing a hunger strike in Leh, urged the people of Ladakh to refrain from participating in the march and instead raise their voices from their respective locations on Sunday.
The 'Pashmina March' was expected to witness the participation of thousands of individuals, aiming to proceed towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Wangchuk, famous for inspiring the character in the film '3 Idiots', asserted that the march aimed to shed light on the alleged encroachment of over 4,000 square kilometers of land by China.
Expressing concern over the heightened security measures in Leh, Wangchuk described the situation as akin to a "war zone", citing the deployment of security forces equipped with smoke grenades, riot gear, and barricades. He criticized the administration for resorting to disproportionate force and for attempting to quell a peaceful movement through intimidation tactics.
The Apex Body of Leh, a key organization spearheading the statehood agitation, echoed Wangchuk's sentiments, labeling the situation as resembling a "war zone". Despite withdrawing the planned march in the interest of public safety, the Apex Body affirmed its commitment to continue peaceful protests advocating for Ladakh's statehood.
Wangchuk initiated the call for the 'Pashmina March' on March 27, following the conclusion of his 21-day hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh and the protection of the rights of its tribal population under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
In response to the proposed march, the authorities issued two separate orders on Friday. One order, issued by the Additional Director General of Police, Ladakh, cited concerns regarding the potential misuse of mobile data and public WiFi facilities to incite public unrest via social media platforms. Another order, issued by the District Magistrate of Leh, imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), restricting public gatherings, processions, rallies, and the use of loudspeakers without permission.
Wangchuk also alleged that protesters were being coerced by the police into signing bonds, pledging not to participate in the march. He emphasized the need for restraint and cautioned against instigating unrest in the region, highlighting its sensitivity and the residents' unwavering commitment to the nation.
The demand for statehood for Ladakh gained momentum following its establishment as a separate Union Territory in August 2019. Despite efforts by the central government to address the demands through dialogue, a resolution has yet to be reached, leading to ongoing protests and demonstrations in the region.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Hundreds fall ill after suspected sewage contamination in Jaipur locality
Jaipur (PTI): Hundreds of residents of the Sushilpura area here have fallen ill over the last week, allegedly due to sewage contamination of the drinking water supply, sparking a health scare.
Several residents have reported similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, and fever, with children and the elderly among the worst affected. Locals claim the crisis has impacted nearly every household, forcing many to rely on water tankers or buy packaged drinking water.
Pooran Mal Kumawat, a resident, said his family has been unwell for several days.
"We have all been suffering from diarrhoea and weakness. My wife even had to take injections," he said.
Another resident, Janki Saini, said the situation has become increasingly difficult. "All three of my children are suffering from stomach pain and fever, and we are arranging water from outside," she said.
ALSO READ: Cong MP Shashi Tharoor’s gunman, driver attacked in Malappuram, one held
Jagdish Sahu, who has spent thousands of rupees on medical treatment so far, highlighted the financial burden caused by the crisis.
"My mother and I are unwell, and I had to take my son for treatment. We are buying water daily, which is adding to our expenses," he said.
According to the residents, the problem began after road construction work in the area allegedly damaged underground pipelines, leading to sewage mixing with drinking water. Overflowing drains and broken streets have further worsened conditions, they said.
Dr Anil Mehta, in charge of a nearby government dispensary, said over 150 patients with similar symptoms have been treated in the last three days alone. Private practitioners in the area have also reported a surge in such cases.
Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma, who visited the area multiple times following protests by residents, said efforts were underway to resolve the issue.
"The government and administration are working hard to find a permanent solution at the earliest, and officials have been directed to restore the clean water supply," he said.
Sharma added that teams from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the health department have been deployed, and relief measures such as the distribution of medicines and water supply arrangements are being carried out.
However, former Congress MLA Pratap Singh Khachariyawas alleged negligence on the part of the authorities and questioned the decision to undertake road work.
"If the road was in good condition, why was it dug up? Damage to sewer and water lines due to such work has led to this crisis," he said, warning of protests if the issue is not resolved soon.
Residents, meanwhile, said tanker supply remains inadequate despite assurances, and contaminated water continues to be used for non-drinking purposes.
Authorities said efforts are on to repair damaged pipelines and ensure safe drinking water, even as the health department continues to monitor the situation closely.
