Ladakh violence: Section 163 imposed in Kargil; shops shut, streets empty amid KDA shutdown

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Kargil on Thursday imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, prohibiting the assembly of more than four people. The move came in the wake of a shutdown call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), an amalgam of political and religious groups in the district. Police vehicles fitted with loudspeakers went around the town, announcing the restrictions and warning that gathering of more than four people would not be permitted. The order was issued by the deputy commissioner of Kargil. Reports suggested shops, business establishments, and markets across Kargil remained closed, while locals refrained from routine activities in response to the shutdown call. “Kargil observes a complete bandh today in solidarity and to register our pea