Leh, Sep 25: An uneasy calm prevailed in Ladakh on Thursday as security forces maintained strict curfew in Leh following violent clashes between protesters and police that left four dead and over 89 injured.
Sources told that, At least 50 people have been detained in connection with Wednesday’s unrest during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule protections for the region.
According to officials, protesters indulged in arson and vandalism, targeting the BJP office, several vehicles, and ransacking the Hill Council headquarters. Police said the situation is now under control, with no new incidents reported.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a fortnight-long hunger strike supporting the demands, abandoned his fast following the escalation. Wangchuk condemned the violence, describing it as a setback to the peaceful movement over the last five years, and appealed to youth to cease violent acts.
The Centre, however, alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” contributed to the unrest and suggested that politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between the government and Ladakhi groups. The Union Home Ministry confirmed that police are investigating potential foreign involvement, noting three of the injured were Nepalese citizens. Wangchuk rejected the claims, calling them a “scapegoat tactic” and expressed willingness to be arrested under the Public Safety Act.
Strict prohibitory measures, including bans on gatherings of more than five people, were imposed in other towns such as Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a parallel shutdown. Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar issued orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent processions and public statements likely to disturb peace.
Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review, calling Wednesday’s events “heart-wrenching” and attributing them to a “conspiracy,” while urging heightened vigilance and inter-agency coordination. (KNC)
