A day after four people were killed and more than 80 others injured during widespread clashes amid a shutdown in Ladakh, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh. Strict prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more persons were also extended to other major towns, including Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) called a shutdown in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been leading a hunger strike.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a security review meeting on Wednesday, calling for heightened vigilance to maintain peace.
The agitation for Ladakh’s statehood escalated into violence, arson, and street clashes in Leh on Wednesday. The unrest followed a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been campaigning for statehood for five years. Protesters torched a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, a police vehicle, and several private cars.
The Union Home Ministry later stated that the situation was under control by 4 pm, and no further violence had occurred. The ministry appealed to the public not to circulate old or inflammatory videos via media or social media platforms. “Except for the regrettable incidents earlier in the day, the situation in Ladakh was brought under control by 4 pm,” the ministry said, adding that the government remains committed to addressing Ladakh’s aspirations through appropriate constitutional safeguards.
Officials said police and paramilitary forces, deployed in large numbers across Leh, used tear gas to disperse crowds and restore order. Residents of Ladakh have also been demanding inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
Sonam Wangchuk’s Statement
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike on Wednesday following the outbreak of clashes. He said he suspended his fast as a precaution to help stabilize the situation, fearing his protest might further inflame tensions. Wangchuk condemned the violence and urged calm, emphasizing that no political party was behind the agitation.
Posting on X, he said: “Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.” He urged young people to reject violence, stressing that such actions undermine efforts to secure Ladakh’s rights.
Centre’s Response
The Union Home Ministry claimed that the violence was fueled by “provocative statements” and suggested that certain “politically motivated” figures were dissatisfied with the progress of ongoing discussions between government representatives and Ladakhi groups. The ministry reiterated that the situation had been brought under control and cautioned people against sharing old or inflammatory videos on media and social platforms. (Agencies)
