A curfew went into effect in Leh, Ladakh, on Thursday as police detained at least 50 individuals following violent clashes that erupted a day earlier. The unrest resulted in four fatalities and over 89 injuries, threatening public safety across the region.
Violence broke out on Wednesday during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) aimed at advancing discussions with the central government regarding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The peaceful intentions of the protests transformed into chaos, leading to incidents of arson and street clashes.
The Leh town saw protesters set fire to the BJP office and vandalize the Hill Council headquarters, escalating tensions and prompting police to impose an indefinite curfew. Witnesses reported a troubling escalation, as peaceful demonstrators turned confrontational.
“The situation in curfew-bound areas is well under control, and we have not reported any untoward incidents,” confirmed a police official. However, 50 individuals were detained overnight due to their involvement in the riots.
Among the injured, three individuals were identified as citizens of Nepal, leading authorities to investigate potential foreign involvement in the disturbances. The careful regulation of gatherings followed strict prohibitory orders underscoring the precarious state of public order.
Major towns including Kargil, Zanskar, and Nubra have also reported similar prohibitions barring assemblies of five or more individuals following ongoing tensions between organized groups and government bodies. This comes in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who led a hunger strike demanding governmental dialogue.
Notably, after clashes broke out, Wangchuk suspended his fortnight-long hunger strike, recognizing the immediate dangers facing protesters. The activist had called for peaceful actions but found himself at the center of controversy amidst the violent repercussions.
The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have expressed frustrations over their ongoing agitation that has lasted four years, advocating for both statehood and constitutional protections. Negotiations with the central government have seen mixed results, and the next meeting is scheduled for October 6.
Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar implemented strict measures, including a ban on public gatherings and restrictions on loudspeakers without prior clearance. Authorities emphasized their commitment to preserving public peace and preventing enmity.
The unrest intensified after two protesters, part of a hunger strike, were hospitalized, instigating calls for renewed protests by the LAB youth wing. According to government representatives, mob violence stemmed from “politically motivated” elements unhappy with previous negotiations.
“The government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s people through essential constitutional safeguards,” stated the Home Ministry late Wednesday. However, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta clarified that the events were not spontaneous; he asserted that a calculated plot influenced the unrest.
Gupta elaborated, “Curfew has been imposed as a preventive measure to avert further casualties.” This oversight reflects the heightened tensions, leading to state defensive responses.
In an online press conference, Wangchuk portrayed October 5 as a critical day for Ladakh. He expressed sorrow at the descent into violence while urging youth to cease hostilities. “We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country,” he implored his supporters.
The disheartening events underscore a complex period in Ladakh’s history, where aspirations for autonomy conflict with broader socio-political dynamics. Wangchuk noted that their five-year pursuit of peaceful protest has been severely undermined by recent violence and upheaval, remarking, “This is the saddest day for Ladakh.”
