A curfew was imposed in Leh on Thursday after intense clashes resulted in four deaths and injuries to over 89 people. Police detained at least 50 individuals as they enforced strict prohibitions in the unrest-affected town and surrounding areas in Ladakh.
The violence erupted during a shutdown initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Wednesday, aiming to spur discussions with the central government regarding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The protests rapidly escalated into arson and street clashes, leading to significant unrest.
Authorities reported that strict prohibitory measures, banning the assembly of five or more persons, extended to other major towns, including Kargil. Here, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a shutdown in solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was conducting a hunger strike.
Wangchuk decided to end his two-week hunger strike amid the violence that saw protestors set ablaze the local BJP office and vandalize the Hill Council headquarters. This prompted the implementation of an indefinite curfew in Leh.
“The situation in curfew-bound areas is well under control. We have not reported any untoward incidents,” a police official stated. They confirmed the detention of individuals involved in the clashes.
Among the injured were three citizens from Nepal. Authorities continue to investigate whether foreign elements influenced the violence.
The LAB and KDA have actively campaigned for statehood and the Sixth Schedule’s extension for the last four years, engaging in multiple discussions with the central government. A new round of talks is scheduled for October 6.
Officials have heavily deployed police and paramilitary forces in regions, including Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, and other strategic areas, preparing for potential escalation.
Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which prohibits the assembly of groups and any public demonstrations without prior permission. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of sound amplification devices.
While unrest began to rise on Tuesday, two of the 15 individuals on a hunger strike were hospitalized, alerting the LAB youth wing to call for mass protests.
The central government alleged that the violence was incited by the “provocative statements” of Wangchuk and claimed that certain politically motivated individuals undermined the discussions with Ladakhi representatives.
The home ministry reiterated the government’s dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of Ladakh’s people through adequate constitutional safeguards.
Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta described the violent events as heart-wrenching and emphasized the right to peaceful expression in a democratic society. However, he asserted that the clashes appeared orchestrated rather than spontaneous.
“Curfew has been introduced as a precaution to avert further casualties,” Gupta noted.
In a statement during an online press conference, Wangchuk cited the hospitalization of two hunger strikers as triggering the protests. He encouraged youth in Ladakh to cease violence, stating, “This only harms our cause and worsens the situation. Stability is paramount.”
“This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally because our previous efforts for five years focused on peaceful protests,” he reflected, showing concern over the recent violence undermining their message.
