Violence Erupts in Leh Amid Statehood Protest; 4 Dead, Over 80 Injured as Curfew Enforced.
Leh:
At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces enforced a strict indefinite curfew across the violence-hit town of Leh on Thursday, a day after deadly clashes left four people dead and more than 80 others injured during a protest demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
The clashes followed a shutdown call by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Wednesday, which descended into widespread arson, vandalism, and street violence. Protesters reportedly torched the BJP office, set vehicles ablaze, and vandalised the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) headquarters, triggering a forceful response by security agencies.
Police said the situation is now “under control” and no fresh incidents have been reported from the curfew-bound areas. However, strict prohibitory orders remain in place under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in Leh, Kargil, and other sensitive regions, banning the assembly of five or more people, demonstrations, and public statements likely to disturb peace.
Hunger Strike Turns Flashpoint
The unrest was sparked after two of the 15 hunger strikers, who had been fasting for 35 days since September 10, were hospitalised on Tuesday evening due to deteriorating health. The LAB’s youth wing responded with a call for a protest, which spiralled into chaos.
The hunger strike was being led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been at the forefront of the agitation for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. He had been on a fortnight-long fast, which he was compelled to end as violence erupted in the streets.
Government Blames ‘Provocative Statements’
The Central Government, in a late-night statement on Wednesday, blamed the violence on “provocative statements” made by Sonam Wangchuk and claimed that “politically motivated individuals” were attempting to derail the dialogue process with Ladakhi stakeholders.
“The government stands committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards,” the Union Home Ministry said.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also condemned the violence, calling the events “heart-wrenching” and stating that the unrest was “not spontaneous” but the result of a larger conspiracy.
Heavy Security Across Ladakh
Authorities have deployed heavy contingents of police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear across major towns including Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, Padam, Changtang, Drass, and Lamayuru.
In Kargil, a shutdown was separately called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. The District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, issued prohibitory orders banning public gatherings, processions, and the use of loudspeakers or any public communication likely to disturb law and order.
Wangchuk Appeals for Peace
In a video address following the violence, Sonam Wangchuk expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally.”
He appealed to the youth to immediately stop all acts of violence, emphasizing that the five-year-long movement had been peaceful, involving hunger strikes and peaceful marches including a Leh to Delhi padayatra.
“I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only harms our cause and escalates tensions. We do not want instability in Ladakh or in the country,” Wangchuk said.
Foreign Involvement Being Investigated
Police officials also revealed that three of the injured persons were identified as Nepali nationals, prompting an investigation into possible foreign involvement in the violent protests. Authorities are not ruling out external influence and are probing the matter further.
Talks Scheduled Amid Tension
Both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been jointly leading the movement for over four years, demanding statehood and the application of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for tribal rights and autonomy.
They have participated in several rounds of discussions with the Centre. The next round of talks is scheduled for October 6, though recent events have cast uncertainty over the process.
As Ladakh remains on edge, with curfews and restrictions firmly in place, the people await clarity on whether their long-standing demands will be addressed through dialogue — or overshadowed by the spectre of unrest and crackdown.
