At least four people were killed and over 70 others injured in Ladakh’s Leh district on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent. The protests, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), escalated sharply after two hunger strike participants were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health, prompting widespread clashes and arson.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday, urging supporters to maintain peace and restraint. Despite his appeal, groups of youths targeted the BJP office and Hill Council, setting ablaze vehicles and prompting police to lob teargas shells to regain control.
The district administration imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning gatherings of more than five people and processions without prior approval. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta condemned the violence, suggesting it was part of a conspiracy and vowing to take action against those responsible.
The violence has raised concerns about the law-and-order situation in the Union Territory, with local voices calling for peaceful demonstrations. A meeting between LAB, Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and the central government is scheduled for October 6 to discuss Ladakh’s demands.
