Authorities imposed a strict curfew in the city under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Leh, Ladakh, witnessed major unrest on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured.
Authorities imposed a strict curfew in the city under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order banned the gathering of more than five people and stopped rallies, marches, or processions without written approval.
The protests are led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), and the protest turned violent when some demonstrators resorted to arson. Protesters set fire to the local BJP office and torched a vehicle.
Police responded with teargas shells and baton charges to bring the situation under control. Additional forces have been deployed in Leh to restore order and prevent further clashes.
The protest came amid an ongoing hunger strike that began on September 10, led by LAB leaders and supported by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Two of the 15 people on fast were shifted to a hospital due to worsening health. Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike on Tuesday, appealing to his supporters to remain peaceful.
However, tensions escalated after a group of youngsters allegedly pelted stones at security personnel, prompting police action.
Sonam Wangchuk expressed disappointment over the violence, saying his call for peaceful protests was ignored. "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. Wangchuk added that his message of peace had failed to stop unrest in the region.
Former Jammu and Kashmir police chief Sesh Paul Vaid also expressed concern over the violence. "Violence in Leh, Ladakh, is deeply concerning. But who is responsible? Jammu has been demanding statehood for decades, yet it has never resorted to violence. My heartfelt appeal to my Ladakhi brothers and sisters: violence is not the answer," he said in a post on X.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been leading the demand for statehood since Ladakh was made a Union Territory in August 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370.
Protesters argue that Ladakh needs statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule to protect its environment, culture, and tribal rights. They are also demanding a separate public service commission and more political representation with two parliamentary seats instead of one.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled a fresh round of talks with Ladakh representatives on October 6. However, protesters want the meeting to take place sooner due to the ongoing hunger strike and rising public anger.
READ MORE: Why Leh Protest Turns Violent? Ladakh Youth Demand Statehood & Sixth Schedule Protection
