The administration in Ladakh has ordered for enforcement of Section 144 in Leh district in view of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk proposed ‘Pashmina March’ on April 07.
District Magistrate Leh, issued an order based on credible information provided by the Senior Superintendent of Police Leh, expressing concerns about potential disturbances to public peace and tranquility in the district.
The order emphasized the importance of promptly preventing any breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility, or threat to human life.
In accordance with the authority granted to him under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, District Magistrate Santosh Sukhdeva declared that no procession, rally, march, or similar gathering shall be permitted without prior approval from the District Magistrate Leh.
“No one should use vehicles mounted or other loudspeakers without prior approval from the competent authority. No public gathering without the prior approval of the competent authority shall be allowed,” said the DM in an order.
“No one shall make any statements, which have potential to disturb the communal harmony, public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problems in the district. All the persons shall ensure that they follow the model code of conduct and that all the activities are according to the law,” reads the order.
The DM further threatened of dire consequences if anyone was found violating the order.
The order comes in view of renowned environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk who has launched the “Pashmina March” in Ladakh’s Changthang region to raise awareness about environmental threats, including land encroachment for solar projects and concerns over China’s occupation of Indian land.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March, Wangchuk aims to spotlight challenges faced by shepherds and local farmers, advocating for support from across India.
The “Pashmina March” or the Border march seeks to address the pressing issue of land encroachment for development projects, endangering the livelihoods of shepherds and threatening Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem.
Wangchuk’s activism underscores the need for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage and environmental integrity amidst growing concerns.