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 said that there was intense firing in the town in which scores sustained injuries and four persons have died so far.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.
The ongoing agitation in Ladakh in support of statehood demand turned violent today when clashes erupted between protesters
and Police during a massive demonstration that was staged today. Security forces resorted to lathicharge in which several protesters were injured. Reports said multiple vehicles were torched amid escalating violence.Additional forces have been deployed in the region to restore order.
Agitation has also been going on over inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and it entered its 14th day on Wednesday. with tensions flaring in Leh after two women protesters fell ill and had to be hospitalised.Authorities described situation on ground as extremely tense.The protesters, identified as Sri Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, collapsed during the demonstration and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Unconfirmed reports also suggested that BJP office was vandalized and later torched by the angry protesters when the situation turned volatile. The Leh Apex Body's youth wing had given a call for protest and shutdown on Wednesday. after two of the 15 people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were shifted to a hospital after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening.
The incident provoked unrest among the gathering, leading to stone pelting at the Leh Hill Council building. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to control the situation, which officials described as tense but under control.The protest is being spearheaded by the people of Ladakh which have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. Organisers said the central government has set October 6 as the date for a decision on the matter, but the protesters are demanding an earlier resolution. “Our demand is immediate action. The people of Ladakh cannot wait any longer,” one protesting leader said.
Sajad Kargali, a member of the organising committee in Kargil, announced that Kargil will observe a complete shutdown tomorrow, on Thursday in support of the agitation. “The movement is gaining momentum. Tomorrow, Kargil will remain shut to show solidarity and send a strong message to New Delhi,” he said.
Over the past two weeks, the protest has drawn large crowds, with men, women and youth actively participating. Protesters continue to demand constitutional safeguards and political rights for Ladakh, while authorities have kept security arrangements tight around sensitive buildings and protest sites.
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