Leh, Sept 24: At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent in Leh.
Confirming the deaths of 4 civilians, Chering Dorjey, the Chairman Leh Apex Body told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that there was intense firing in the town in which scores sustained injuries and four persons have died so for.
The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), escalated sharply after two hunger strike participants were shifted to hospital due to deteriorating health. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday, but tension mounted as a group of youngsters pelted stones, prompting police action.
Authorities said protesters later resorted to arson, setting ablaze the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and torching a security vehicle parked outside. Police used teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the mobs. The Union Territory administration responded by imposing an immediate ban on protests and gatherings in Leh, with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita enforced to maintain law and order.
Officials confirmed that additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest. Hospitals in Leh reported receiving dozens of injured people throughout the day, with some cases requiring intensive care.
The violence overshadowed the conclusion of the two-day annual Ladakh Festival, which was called off midway. The administration expressed regret, citing “unavoidable circumstances,” and apologised to local artists, cultural troupes, and tourists who had gathered for the event.
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Addressing his supporters, Sonam Wangchuk urged for calm and restraint. “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,” he said.
The demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards have been a long-standing issue in Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. While Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory directly under New Delhi’s control, locals have repeatedly argued that the region needs special protections to safeguard its fragile ecology, unique cultural identity, and tribal population.
The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing political, religious, and social groups, have stood united on these demands. Both organisations are scheduled to meet the central government in New Delhi on October 6 for a fresh round of talks. Protesters, however, are pressing for the date to be advanced, pointing to the prolonged hunger strikes and rising public anger.
“For years, the people of Ladakh have raised these demands peacefully. The recent unrest reflects frustration at the lack of progress,” a political commentator in Leh observed.
The deaths and large number of injuries have deepened concerns over the fragile law-and-order situation in the Union Territory. Local voices have called on both the administration and the protesting groups to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful.
The day’s violence has not only left a scar on Leh but also added urgency to the upcoming talks with the Centre. With both the LAB and KDA firm on their stand, the October 6 meeting is expected to be a critical test of New Delhi’s willingness to engage meaningfully with Ladakh’s demands. (KNT)
