Sonam Wangchuk arrested: Has violence affected Leh-Ladakh travellers? Tourist information

Since September 24, the Union Territory of Ladakh has been witnessing massive protests demanding statehood. On Friday, climate activist Sonam Wangchuck, who led a hunger strike in support of the demand, was arrested, allegedly for inciting mobs in the region over the past few days.
After the skirmishes started, organisers cancelled the annual Ladakh Festival on Wednesday. So far, no travel advisory has been issued for tourists in Leh or Ladakh, though many travel platforms are advising tourists to exercise caution. The region is also almost at the end of its tourism season.

Here are a few pointers tourists should know about visiting Leh and Ladakh now:
1. A curfew is in force in Leh town for the third day, due to widespread violence, the death of four people and almost 90 people getting injured. 
2. Assemblies of more than five persons are prohibited in Leh and in nearby towns like Kargil, reports PTI. 
3. In certain areas, people are reportedly running short of essential goods like vegetables and milk. 
4. Avoid Potala Road in Ladakh and areas around various administrative offices in the union territory, unless urgent. 

Are tourists affected? 
Munnar native Joshna Sharon Johnson, who runs a guesthouse named 'Kerala House' in Ladakh, says that protests did not affect tourists in any way. "Ladakh is a tiny area where most people know each other and are even related, regardless of religious barriers. I have 63 guests here today. None of them were affected in any way and weren't blocked anywhere. Even when shops stay closed, it doesn't affect us much, as most people here grow vegetables at home. For instance, a Kashmir Administrative Service officer gave vegetables grown at his home - cabbage, carrot, potato and more - for my guests and me," says Joshna. 

According to Geethu Mohandas of the travel platform 'Let's Go for a Camp,' the likelihood of the tensions affecting tourists is minimal. "Ladakhis are extremely peace-loving people who are very accommodating of tourists. Therefore, the developments might not affect tourist services much," she says.

That said, Joshna adds that heavy security has been deployed in the area. "There is a lot of checking, and people aren't allowed to pass through tension-affected areas. While tourists are allowed to move, local people are not allowed to travel with more than three people in a vehicle or group. That's the rule now," Joshna adds. 
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