Clashes and arson marred Leh as protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule demands turned violent.
LEH, Sept 24: A movement for statehood in Ladakh descended into violence on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and at least 45 injured, including 22 police personnel, officials said, as protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections spiralled into arson and street clashes.
The unrest prompted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to call off his fortnight-long hunger strike, which had sought to push the Centre to reopen dialogue and address the four-point demand that includes statehood, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and reservation in employment.
The day began with a complete shutdown in Leh and large public gatherings at the NDS memorial ground. Hundreds marched through the town, and violence escalated when groups of youth allegedly pelted stones at the BJP office and the Hill Council, setting fire to vehicles and parts of the party office. Security forces used teargas and resorted to firing to disperse violent mobs, officials said.
The administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, banning assemblies of five or more people without permission, and warned that violations would attract action. Authorities also booked Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag for an allegedly provocative speech at the hunger strike venue on Tuesday.
The immediate trigger for the protests was reported to be the hospitalisation of two hunger strikers — Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60) — whose deteriorating condition on Tuesday night aggravated tensions. With several injured in critical condition, officials cautioned that the casualty figure could rise.
Addressing supporters online, Mr. Wangchuk urged protesters to stop the violence and announced he was ending his fast. “I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation,” he said, appealing for non-violence and more sensitive handling by authorities.
Wangchuk said the movement had been peaceful for five years — including multiple hunger strikes and marches from Leh to Delhi — and called the day’s events “the saddest day for Ladakh.” He appealed to the administration to halt teargas firing and to resume dialogue with cooler heads.
The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing had called the protest after the reported hospitalisation of two hunger strikers from a 35-day fast. The LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which jointly lead the agitation, have been negotiating with the Centre; a fresh round of talks has been scheduled for October 6.
Following months of stalled talks, the Centre extended an invitation to LAB and KDA on September 20, ten days after Wangchuk began his hunger strike. Former MP and LAB chairperson Thupstan Chhewang has returned to lead the joint delegation expected to represent Leh and Kargil in the upcoming talks.
Officials said the violence included arson of a security vehicle and extensive property damage. Local authorities deployed additional security forces to restore order and have initiated investigations into the incidents and the speeches that may have incited violence.
📲 Follow our WhatsApp ChannelSource: Agencies
Labels: Ladakh, Leh, Statehood, Protests, Sonam Wangchuk
Tags: #Ladakh #Leh #Statehood #Protests #SonamWangchuk #BNSS
Disclaimer: This report is compiled from agency inputs and verified public sources. Jammu News Portal strives for accurate and balanced reporting; however, details may evolve as investigations continue. Readers are advised to follow official statements and updates from authorities for the latest information.
Post a Comment