Leh : At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured on Wednesday as protests held by demonstrators demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. The local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched, as protesters resorted to arson. Police used teargas and baton charged the protesters to contain the violence.
An assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh, an official order said. The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of the ongoing campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Ladakh was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state and became a Union Territory, coming directly under the Centre’s control, after Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019.
The call for a shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health. Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday while urging supporters to avoid violence. Tension escalated when a group of youngsters allegedly pelted stones, prompting police action.
Protesters later set ablaze a security vehicle outside the BJP office in Leh. Authorities said additional forces have been deployed to restore order and prevent further unrest. A fresh round of talks between the Centre and representatives of Ladakh, including members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is scheduled for October 6.
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