By Sonam Wangchuk

Copyright indiatimes

As the sun set on what is arguably the worst day of violence since 1989 in the cold desert region, the statehood for Ladakh movement descended into violence, arson and street clashes here on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and at least 80 injured, including 40 police personnel, officials said.Following the violence and death of four, Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his fortnight-long hunger strike to press for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, while authorities clamped curfew in the Leh district.Groups of youths targeted the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council and set ablaze vehicles. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength across the town, lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control, the officials said.With at least six of those injured in a critical condition, there are fears the death toll could go up.Read more: Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike as Ladakh statehood protest turns violentLive EventsLadakh Protests: What led to violent clashes?At the heart of the agitation are four demands: statehood for Ladakh, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and employment reservations. Protesters argue that without Sixth Schedule protections, Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, land rights, and cultural identity face severe threats. The Sixth Schedule, currently applicable to tribal areas in the northeast, provides autonomy through elected councils with financial and administrative powers. Activists accuse the BJP of reneging on its 2020 promise to secure this status for Ladakh.Is there a curfew in Ladakh?Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday blamed “vested interests” for the violence that led to the death of four people in the Union Territory, as he announced a curfew to prevent more bloodshed and vowed action against the guilty.”A curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure. People have lost their lives here and I express my condolences to their families. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties,” Gupta said addressing the people of Ladakh.Read more: Ladakh statehood movement takes violent turn; 4 killedFour people were killed and more than 45 others, including 22 policemen, were injured in daylong clashes during a shutdown sponsored by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which is sponsoring an agitation for the past five years for statehood for Ladakh.Ladakh Protests: Govt questions Sonam Wangchuk’s Pak visit The Centre on Wednesday alleged that the mob violence in Ladakh was guided by the “provocative statements” of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and certain “politically motivated” individuals were not happy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between the representatives of the government and Ladakhi groups.In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said barring a few unfortunate incidents that happened early on Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 PM and asked everyone not to circulate old and provocative videos in the media and social media.”The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards,” the statement said.The home ministry said the hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10, pressing the demand for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth schedule and statehood.”It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High Powered Committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the statement said.Ladakh annual festival cancelled due to shutdown: The four-day annual Ladakh festival was cancelled on the last day on Wednesday after clashes erupted between police and protesters amid a shutdown.A shutdown was observed in Leh amid demands to advance the proposed talks with Centre on the extension of Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh.Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta was scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the festival, which started here on Sunday.”The administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has announced cancellation of the last day and closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival due to unavoidable circumstances. The administration deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all stakeholders including local artists, cultural troupes, tourists, and the people of Ladakh who were eagerly looking forward to the event,” the Department of Information and Public Relations said in a statement.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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