Curfew measures were implemented in Leh, Ladakh, on Thursday as police detained at least 50 individuals after intense clashes that resulted in four fatalities and over 89 injuries. The violence erupted following a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) aimed at advancing discussions with the Centre regarding their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule.
The confrontations occurred a day prior when protestors clashed during a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, leading to instances of arson and vandalism. Protesters set fire to the BJP office and damaged several vehicles, prompting authorities to enforce an indefinite curfew in Leh.
Police officials confirmed, “The situation in the curfew-bound areas is well under control. No untoward incidents have been reported.” The government mobilized considerable police and paramilitary forces across other major towns, including Kargil, where similar prohibitory measures took effect.
Rakesh Kumar, Kargil District Magistrate, invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibiting gatherings of five or more individuals and restricting public celebrations or demonstrations without prior permission. Restrictive measures also include a ban on loudspeakers and public addresses that could incite disturbance.
Problems escalated in Leh when two individuals involved in the hunger strike needed hospital care due to health concerns. This event fueled the LAB youth wing’s calls for protests, leading to the violence that followed. Officials indicated that three of the injured individuals are citizens of Nepal, and investigations are underway to ascertain potential foreign influences in the unrest.
Over the past four years, both the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have actively campaigned for statehood and related rights. Despite multiple talks with the central government, tensions remained high, culminating in a scheduled round of negotiation on October 6.
The Central government attributed the recent violence to “provocative statements” from Wangchuk, suggesting that certain politically motivated factions were unhappy with the progress of negotiations. In a statement on Wednesday night, the Home Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the aspirations of the Ladakhi people, promising constitutional safeguards.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta expressed sadness over the situation, stating, “Curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent further casualties.” He condemned the violence, framing it as a conspiracy rather than a spontaneous outburst from the community.
In an online press conference, activist Wangchuk called for calm, stating, “I request the youth of Ladakh to cease all violence immediately. Our cause suffers and the situation only worsens.” He highlighted that the deterioration of the peaceful message that had characterized their efforts over the past five years was distressing.
Wangchuk, reflecting on the recent events, expressed his disappointment: “This is a sad day not only for Ladakh but for me personally as well. We have advocated for change peacefully through hunger strikes and marches, and today we witness our peaceful approach marred by violence and destruction.”
