The government imposed a strict curfew in Leh on Thursday after violent clashes broke out a day earlier, resulting in four deaths and injuries to over 89 individuals. At least 50 people faced detention amid escalating tensions linked to protests for statehood and constitutional safeguards in Ladakh.
The unrest erupted following a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) aimed at renewing discussions with the Centre regarding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. As protests escalated on Wednesday, they descended into violence, arson, and street clashes.
The police imposed prohibitory restrictions across Leh, banning the assembly of five or more individuals. Similar measures took effect in other key areas, including Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) supported a shutdown in solidarity with climate advocate Sonam Wangchuk, who was embroiled in a hunger strike.
Wangchuk called off the hunger strike following the violent outbreak that included the burning of the BJP office and several vehicles, as well as vandalism of the Hill Council headquarters. Authorities responded by enforcing an indefinite curfew to control the situation.
“The situation in the curfew-bound areas remains under control,” a police official confirmed. He noted that approximately 50 individuals were detained overnight as they engaged in activities linked to the unrest.
Interestingly, out of the injured, three were identified as citizens of Nepal. The police are investigating whether foreign elements may have influenced the violence.
The LAB and KDA have led protests over the past four years demanding greater autonomy for Ladakh. They have held multiple discussions with the Central government, with the next session set for October 6.
Heavy police and paramilitary deployments occurred across sensitive regions like Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, and others. Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar issued orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita prohibiting public gatherings, demonstrations, or processions without prior authorization.
Officials also restricted the use of loudspeakers and public address systems in response to the unrest. The orders include bans on public statements likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity.
The violence stirred in Leh when two participants from a 35-day hunger strike, which started on September 10, were hospitalized due to deteriorating health. The LAB youth wing organized protests in response to these developments.
The Centre attributed the mob violence to “provocative statements” made by activist Wangchuk, suggesting that certain political figures were dissatisfied with progress in the ongoing dialogues between the government and Ladakhi representatives.
“The government remains dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of Ladakhi people by ensuring adequate constitutional safeguards,” stated a home ministry official late Wednesday.
Calling the situation distressing, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta emphasized that everyone has the right to peacefully express their dissent in a democratic society, but he also claimed recent events were not spontaneous but rather orchestrated.
“Curfew is an essential measure to prevent further casualties,” Gupta said.
Amid this turmoil, Wangchuk took to an online press conference, indicating that the hospitalization of two hunger strikers was likely the catalyst for intensified protests. He urged young people to cease violent activities, stating, “We do not desire instability in Ladakh or in the country.”
“This marks a tragic day for Ladakh and, personally, for me,” Wangchuk reflected, lamenting that their peaceful efforts over the last five years appeared to have unraveled due to violence and destruction. “We have engaged in hunger strikes and peaceful advocacy, but our message of peace has faltered in the chaos,” he remarked as he called for a return to dialogue.
