At least four people died and more than 70 others were injured on Wednesday as protests by demonstrators demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. Authorities imposed a curfew in the city, banning gatherings of more than five people. Protesters set fire to the local BJP office and a vehicle. Police used tear gas and charged at the protesters to control the violence.
Ladakh statehood protests turn violent
After the clashes, the Union administration in Leh Ladakh enforced a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This immediately banned protests and gatherings in Leh. An assembly of five or more people prohibited. No processions, rallies, or marches take place without prior written approval in Leh, according to an official order.
The agitation, organized by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of an ongoing campaign for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Ladakh was part of the former Jammu and Kashmir state and became a Union Territory after Article 370 revoked on August 5, 2019. While Ladakh initially welcomed the change, it is now demanding statehood.
Protestors threw stones, Police action occurs
The call for shutdown followed the hospital transfer of 2 of the 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been striking since September 10 due to declining health. Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday, urging supporters to avoid violence.
Tension increased when a group of young people threw stones, prompting police action. Protesters later set a security vehicle on fire outside the BJP office in Leh Ladakh. Authorities said they have deployed more forces to restore order.
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