In a decisive response to escalating tensions, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh, Ladakh, on Thursday after violent clashes resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 89 others. The unrest unfolded a day earlier as demonstrators sought to amplify their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) initiated a shutdown in advance of discussions with the Central government, aimed at addressing these pivotal demands. However, protests quickly deteriorated into chaos, with reports of arson and violence, notably targeting the BJP office and vehicles.
Local police and paramilitary forces enforced the curfew stringently, detaining at least 50 individuals during the night for their roles in the violence. Officials also confirmed that among the injured were three Nepali citizens, raising concerns regarding potential external influences behind the turmoil.
Authorities have implemented strict prohibitory measures throughout major towns like Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) also called for a shutdown in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently commenced a hunger strike. This protest action escalated significantly after Wangchuk was informed of the protest response in Leh.
Following reports of intensified violence, including the vandalism of public property and multiple injuries, the police declared that the situation in curfew-affected areas remained stable. A police official stated, **“The situation in the curfew-bound areas is well under control. There are no untoward incidents reported from anywhere.”**
In anticipation of further unrest, a heavy police and paramilitary presence was established in regions including Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, and Lamayuru. Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar enforced prohibitory orders limiting public gatherings to prevent any escalation of violence.
The violence erupted on Wednesday after two protestors, who had been on a hunger strike for several weeks, were hospitalised. Activist Wangchuk’s call for protests was likely a direct reaction to their medical emergency. The government criticized the unrest, attributing it to **“provocative statements”** made by Wangchuk, whom they accused of inciting violence.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reassured that the government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of the Ladakhi people through appropriate constitutional safeguards. **“The government stands committed to aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards,”** stated an official release.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, labelled the events as “heart-wrenching” and emphasized the necessity of peaceful protests in a democratic society. He remarked, **“Curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent more casualties.”** Gupta attributed the unrest to orchestrated efforts aimed at disrupting the peace process.
As tensions continued to simmer, Wangchuk held an online press conference urging youth in Ladakh to cease violence, cautioning that it jeopardizes their longstanding demands for peace. **“We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country,”** he declared, reflecting on the setbacks faced by the peaceful movement over the past five years.
Wangchuk’s efforts to redirect the movement towards peaceful dialogue occurred just as the situation reached a boiling point. He acknowledged the recent tragic events as a significant deviation from the peaceful path they have been pursuing. **“This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally,”** he noted, highlighting the deep frustrations within the community.
