Curfew and Tension Grip Leh-Ladakh After Deadly Violence; Tourism Sector Suffers

Following violent protests on September 24 in Leh, Ladakh, strict curfew remains enforced across several areas, and gatherings of more than five people are banned by authorities. The unrest—fueled by demands for restoration of statehood and increased autonomy—led to clashes, resulting in four deaths and dozens injured. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, accused by the government of inciting violence, has been arrested and lodged in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act, a charge he denies.

Mobile internet services continue to be suspended. While curfew periods were briefly relaxed for a few hours over the weekend to allow the purchase of essentials, heavy security deployments—including the CRPF and ITBP—remain in place. Patrols and flag marches have become routine as officials work to prevent further incidents. The funerals of the protesters who died during the clashes have taken place under heavy police presence, with additional restrictions expected during subsequent rites.

The violence has had an immediate and harsh impact on Ladakh’s tourism industry, which is usually at its peak in September and October. Many visitors are now canceling planned trips, and local businesses—especially homestays and taxi drivers—are struggling to pay bills and loan installments due to the drop in bookings. The short-lived tourist season, already affected by heavy rains and landslides, faces further setback, threatening livelihoods dependent on seasonal visitors.

Similar effects have been felt in neighbouring Jammu & Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack in April, where tourism saw a steep decline due to ongoing security concerns. Hotel owners and drivers who depend on tourist influx remain worried as bookings remain sparse and recovery from lost income is slow.

Local voices are calling for peace and a swift return to normalcy, but as curfew and security restrictions continue, the full impact on the region’s tourism sector remains to be seen.Violence erupted in Leh, Ladakh, on September 24, leading to a strict curfew and a ban on gatherings of more than five people across the region. The unrest began during protests demanding restoration of statehood and more autonomy for Ladakh, resulting in clashes that left four people dead and dozens injured. Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known activist accused by the government of fomenting violence, has been arrested under the National Security Act—though he denies this charge.

Tourism has suffered dramatically amid the turmoil. The traditionally busy September-October season has seen waves of cancellations, as curfews, heavy security, and recent landslides deter travelers. Locals running homestays, hotels, and taxi services are struggling with reduced income and difficulty paying loan installments. The situation mirrors what happened in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, which also caused a sharp decline in tourism and left many businesses in financial distress.

As security forces maintain strict vigil and mobile internet services remain suspended, authorities have given only limited curfew relaxation for essentials and funerals, holding security review meetings to monitor the situation. Locals hope for peace and a return to normalcy, but the current climate continues to severely affect the region’s tourism and economic stability.