Leh, Ladakh, September 24 — Protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh escalated into deadly violence in Leh on Wednesday, leaving at least four people dead and more than 70 injured, prompting authorities to impose a strict curfew banning gatherings of five or more, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The unrest, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), followed a complete shutdown after two of 15 hunger strikers—led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk since September 10—were hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday, urging non-violence, but tensions boiled over as protesters pelted stones, torched the local BJP office and set a police vehicle ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, baton charges and, in some reports, firing to control the crowd.
A curfew was enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibiting assemblies, processions or rallies without approval. Additional forces were deployed, and the annual Ladakh Festival’s closing ceremony was canceled due to “unavoidable circumstances.” Hospitals treated dozens of injured, some critically.
The violence marks the first major clashes in Ladakh since 1989, amid frustration over stalled talks with the Centre. A meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set for October 6, but protesters seek an earlier date. Wangchuk addressed supporters, saying, “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 expressed concern that his message of peace had failed.
Ladakh, separated as a Union Territory in 2019 after Article 370’s abrogation, initially welcomed the change but now faces growing discontent over central rule, loss of local powers and threats to tribal identity, culture and environment. The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance, uniting Leh’s Buddhists and Kargil’s Muslims, formed a high-level committee in 2023, but negotiations collapsed in March when core demands were rejected.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on X, highlighting the betrayal felt in Ladakh despite no initial statehood promise, and contrasted it with J&K’s unfulfilled pledge: “Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel.” Former J&K DGP Sesh Paul Vaid appealed for peace on X, noting Jammu’s long statehood demand without violence.
No arrests or official casualty confirmation from authorities were available by evening, with the situation under control but tense. The Home Ministry affirmed the October talks will proceed.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
