At least four people were killed and more than 60 others were injured on Wednesday as protests held by demonstrators demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. Authorities imposed a curfew in the city, banning a gathering of more than five people.
During the arson, the local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched, as protesters resorted to arson. Police used teargas and baton charged the protesters to contain the violence.
Following the unrest, the Union administration in Leh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh.
An assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh, an official order said.
The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of the ongoing campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
"We have been running a movement here for a long time on four issues of Ladakh. There were some incidents that led to acts of violence. During this violence, 2-3 young men have been martyred for our cause. I want to assure the people of Ladakh that we will not let the sacrifices made by these young people today go to waste," Thupstan Tswang, Chairmain of Apex body of Ladakh, said while speaking to News agency.
Ladakh was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state and became a Union Territory, coming directly under the Centre's control, after Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019. Ladakh, who welcomed the move that carved it out of the state and made it a UT, is now demanding statehood.
The call for a shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.
Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday while urging supporters to avoid violence. He said the "Gen Z's frenzy" disrupted the peace process."This incident has disrupted our peaceful protest, which has been going on for the last 5 years. This protest by the youth was only due to larger issues of unemployment and others. We saw Gen-Z's frenzy today. I understand their frustration over the last five years, but I condemn their way of protest," he said.
Tension escalated when a group of youngsters allegedly pelted stones, prompting police action.
Protesters later set ablaze a security vehicle outside the BJP office in Leh. Authorities said additional forces have been deployed to restore order and prevent further unrest.
A fresh round of talks between the Centre and representatives of Ladakh, including members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is scheduled for October 6.
Protesters, however, have been pushing for the date to be advanced in view of the prolonged hunger strike and growing public concern over Ladakh’s political future.
Addressing his supporters, Wangchuk appealed for calm. "I request the youth to stop arson and clashes. We are ending our fast, and I urge the administration to stop using tear gas. No hunger strike succeeds if lives are lost in violence," the climate activist said. Showing concerns over the latest turn of events in Ladakh, Wangchuk said that his message of peaceful path had failed.