Ladakh’s crucial tourism industry has taken a significant hit following the recent unrest and violence in Leh that led to the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Stakeholders report that the indefinite curfew and the suspension of internet and mobile services in Leh town have caused widespread cancellations, compounding an already difficult season for the Union Territory.
This setback comes just months after the tourism sector suffered cancellations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
Unrest Leads to Stranded Tourists and Lost Income
The trouble began on September 24 when clashes erupted during a shutdown called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body, which is agitating for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The escalating protests tragically resulted in at least four people killed and over 150 injured in the violence.
The subsequent indefinite curfew imposed in Leh has severely impacted both locals and visitors:
- Widespread Cancellations: “The cancellation of advance bookings by our guests has been continuing on an almost daily basis for the last one week,” stated Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager.
- Curfew and Shutdown: The closure of Leh town and the suspension of internet and mobile services have added to the industry’s woes, leaving many tourists stranded.
- First-Time Unrest: Singh, who has worked in Leh for nearly a decade, noted that this is the first time he has witnessed such a situation in the otherwise peaceful region.
A Second Setback for Ladakh Tourism
Local businesses emphasize that this unrest is the second major blow to the industry this year. Rigzin Dorjey, a local transporter, noted that tourism was already hurt by the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
“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.
Local stakeholders are now “praying for early restoration of normalcy” as each day of uncertainty means “lost income for thousands of families who depend on tourism.”
Tourists Stranded and Disappointed
Tourists currently in Leh shared their frustration about being unable to enjoy their trip:
- Basic Services Halted: A tourist from Taiwan named Sheena expressed shock that upon arrival, everything was closed. She was unable to exchange currency, buy food, or even get the required permit for sightseeing in areas like Pangong Lake.
- Isolation and Restrictions: Another tourist from Delhi was disappointed to find markets closed and mobile internet services down. Other visitors shared that they “came to see Ladakh’s mountains and monasteries, but now we are just stuck in our rooms,” anxiously awaiting the return of peace.