- By Yashashvi Tak
- Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ladakh’s tourism sector has taken a significant hit following unrest in Leh and the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk. The union territory had already experienced widespread cancellations after the Pahalgam attack in April. Last week’s protests have prompted further cancellations, with many tourists reportedly pulling out of trips to Leh.
“The cancellation of advance bookings by our guests has been continuing on an almost daily basis for the last one week. There is a shortage of merchandise due to the closure of the town since last Wednesday," Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager said.
The indefinite curfew imposed in Leh town on September 24 has further worsened the situation, leaving many tourists stranded. Clashes broke out during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body, which has been campaigning for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The protests escalated into violence, leaving at least four people dead and over 150 injured. Internet and mobile services in Leh also remain suspended, compounding the challenges faced by the tourism industry.
Locals And Tourist Reaction
Singh, who has been working in Leh for nearly a decade, told PTI that this is the first time he has witnessed such unrest in the town, which is normally a peaceful region. Rigzin Dorjey, a local transporter, added that tourism had already been hit by the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives and triggered a military standoff between India and Pakistan.
"The Pahalgam incident virtually paralysed the tourism sector in Ladakh. We started receiving guests only a month after Operation Sindoor. But Wednesday's incident has once again hit us hard," he told PTI.
"Upon my arrival here, to my shock, I found that everything was closed. I was not even able to exchange my currency or buy food. I had planned some sightseeing at Pangong Lake, but I could not obtain the required permit," said Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan. Another tourist from Delhi shared her disappointment at seeing the markets shut and mobile internet services down.
"We could not go anywhere due to the restrictions, and hopefully, everything will be fine soon," she added. "We came to see Ladakh's mountains and monasteries, but now we are just stuck in our rooms. Everyone here is simply wishing that peace returns soon," said another visitor in Leh.
Leh Curfew Update
1. The last rites of two youths killed in the September 24 violence were held on Sunday amid heavy security, while curfew and internet suspension continued across Leh.
2. The funerals were conducted according to Ladakhi traditions with tight security; police, CRPF, and ITBP personnel were deployed, including flag marches. Four youths died and dozens were injured after clashes following Leh Apex Body’s shutdown call, with over 50 people detained, including two Congress councillors and local leaders sent to police custody.
3. Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains jailed in Jodhpur; his wife denied allegations of inciting violence or links with Pakistan. Ladakh DGP S D Singh Jamwal cited his alleged connections to a Pakistani operative and suspicious foreign trips, while scientists’ group Breakthrough Science Society condemned his detention, calling him a non-violent activist.
4. Opposition leaders criticised the Centre’s handling of the situation, especially Wangchuk’s detention under NSA, with Rahul Gandhi claiming Ladakh’s people, culture, and traditions were under threat and advocating Sixth Schedule inclusion.
5. Omar Abdullah accused the Union government of misleading Ladakh with “impossible” Sixth Schedule promises, citing stalled statehood and delayed elections in J&K as reasons for growing mistrust among the public.
(With PTI Inputs)