#Ladakh : Demand For Statehood Leads To Violent Protests ; Activist Sonam Wangchusk Calls Off Fortnight-Long Hunger Strike ; LG Clamps Curfew, Vows Action

Picture ANI/X Video Grab

The statehood for Ladakh movement descended into violence, arson and street clashes according to media reports , leaving four people dead and at least 80 injured, including 40 police personnel, officials said.

As the sun set on what is arguably the worst day of violence since 1989 in the cold desert region, 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, indulging in arson and vandalism, targeted the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party 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.

The Centre alleged that the mob violence was guided by the “provocative statements” of activist 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.

Meanhile , taking a stock of the situation Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta has 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.

Four 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.