The curfew in Leh, imposed following intense clashes, aims to restore order after violence erupted on Wednesday, resulting in four deaths and over 89 injuries. At least 50 people have been detained as police and paramilitary forces enforce the restrictions strictly.
The violence ignited after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) called for a shutdown to press their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. What began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into chaos, with incidents of arson and street clashes reported in Leh.
Officials implemented a curfew late on Wednesday to manage the situation. Strong prohibitory measures also affect other towns, including Kargil, where a shutdown occurred in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was conducting a hunger strike.
Wangchuk called off his strike amid the unrest. Protesters set fire to the BJP office and damaged several vehicles, leading to significant disruptions. Police maintain a presence across Leh and surrounding towns, ensuring public safety. “The situation in the curfew-bound areas is well under control,” a police official stated, emphasizing that no significant incidents had been recorded.
Among the injured were three Nepali citizens. Authorities are investigating potential foreign involvement in the violence. Both the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have led protests over the last four years, advocating for their demands met with occasional discussions with the central government. Talks are set to continue on October 6.
Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar declared prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning assemblies of five or more individuals without prior permission. Officials banned the use of loudspeakers or public address systems without authorization, keen to maintain public order.
Activism spiked in Leh as agitation brewed due to deteriorating health among protesters on hunger strike since September 10. Two individuals required hospitalization, prompting LAB’s youth wing to escalate protests. The Central government accused certain miscreants of instigating violence through provocative statements. The home ministry reiterated its commitment to meeting Ladakhi people’s aspirations through constitutional protections.
Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta expressed deep concern regarding the violence, stating that peaceful protests are a right in a democracy, but the recent events were the result of a deliberate conspiracy. “Curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent more casualties,” Gupta remarked.
Activist Wangchuk noted the unfortunate turn of events, stating the hospitalization of two protestors was the immediate trigger for heightened tensions. In a heartfelt message to the youth of Ladakh, he urged them to halt violence: “We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country,” he asserted.
“This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally. We had followed a path of peace, holding hunger strikes and promoting our message without violence. Sadly, our peaceful intentions have now been overshadowed by chaos,” Wangchuk lamented.
