'Even food is hard to find', Ladakh's curfew worsens; tourism comes to a complete halt

News Topical, Digital Desk : Ladakh's tourism industry is currently in dire straits. The recent protests in Leh and the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk have exacerbated the situation. Tourist arrivals had already plummeted following the Pahalgam attack in April, but last week's protests have led to even more cancellations.

An indefinite curfew was imposed in Leh city on September 24th, leaving many tourists stranded and facing difficulties. An organization affiliated with the Leh Apex Body had called for a shutdown on September 24th. Clashes broke out during the protest, resulting in four deaths and over 150 injuries.

Internet service also shut down

To control the situation, the administration imposed a curfew and shut down mobile and internet services. This has severely impacted both business and tourism. Local hotel manager Naseeb Singh said that advance bookings have been canceled every day for the past week, and supplies have become scarce.

He said that in his 10 years of experience, he had seen such an atmosphere in Leh for the first time. Rigzin Dorje, a local transporter, said that tourism in Ladakh had been at a standstill since the Pahalgam attack on April 22. Tourists had slowly started returning after Operation Sindoor, but Wednesday's incident once again worsened the situation.

Buying food also became difficult.

A hotel owner said that the daily confusion is robbing thousands of families of their livelihoods. Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan, said she had hoped to visit Ladakh, but upon arriving, she found the markets closed, making it difficult to even buy food.

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