New Delhi, Sept 24: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said that the ongoing hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk in Leh, demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh, took a violent turn on September 24.
In a statement, the MHA said a mob allegedly influenced by Wangchuk’s “provocative speeches” left the protest site and attacked a political party office as well as the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Leh. The attackers also set offices and a police vehicle on fire.
More than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured in the clashes, the ministry said. Police later opened fire in self-defence, which resulted in some casualties. The situation was brought under control by 4 pm.
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The MHA added that Wangchuk’s demands are already being discussed in the High Powered Committee (HPC) with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. It highlighted that progress has already been made, including raising Scheduled Tribe reservations to 84%, one-third reservation for women in councils, recognition of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and recruitment for 1,800 posts.
The ministry alleged that “certain politically motivated individuals” were trying to derail the dialogue process, and said the government remains committed to providing constitutional safeguards to address the aspirations of Ladakh’s people.
