Violence In Ladakh Credit x (Credit x)
Ladakh Violence: Leh, the capital of Ladakh, erupted in violence on Wednesday. What began as a peaceful protest suddenly escalated into violence, with protesters setting a BJP office and a CRPF van on fire. Four people were killed and approximately 60 injured in the ensuing clashes. As the situation spiraled out of control, the administration imposed a curfew in the city.
In fact, people in Ladakh have been on a hunger strike for the past several weeks. They demanded that Ladakh be granted statehood and included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. However, as the situation worsened on Wednesday, protesters took to the streets and turned violent.
Ladakh was made a Union Territory in 2019 after the revocation of Article 370, but it has not yet established a legislative assembly. This direct control over the central government has fueled discontent among locals. They say their identity, tribal culture, and fragile ecosystem are under threat. A hunger strike has been underway since September 10th, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The ongoing agitation demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule and granting it statehood turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. Activist Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday, urging his supporters to refrain from violence. Although a meeting with the central government was scheduled for October 6, protesters demanded that the date be postponed due to the deteriorating health of those on strike.
On Wednesday, a large number of people gathered at the NDS Memorial Ground and marched through the city, raising slogans in support of statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets. Tensions escalated when some began pelting stones at the BJP office and the Hill Council. Amid a complete shutdown in the Ladakh capital, the BJP office, as well as several vehicles, were set on fire. They also set furniture and papers on fire in the BJP office premises.
In the face of violence, police resorted to tear gas and lathicharge. Heavy police and paramilitary forces deployed fired tear gas to quell the unrest. Additional reinforcements were sent to the scene, and after several hours of clashes, authorities were able to bring the situation under control, although tension remained in the city. Following the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people.
Amid the protests, Sonam Wangchuk released a video message saying, "It was the anger of this young generation that brought them to the streets. They have been unemployed for the past five years. They have been repeatedly fired under one pretext or another, and Ladakh's demands have not been met. I would say this is a recipe for social unrest. Some people think they were just our supporters, but in reality, all of Ladakh stood with us and this issue. This was a Gen Z revolution."
Sonam Wangchuk said, "I appeal to the younger generation not to resort to violence, it will ruin our five years of efforts. This is not our way. We are trying to put forward our demands to the government in a peaceful manner and I want them to listen to our message of peace."
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