At least four individuals were killed, and more than 70 others sustained injuries on Wednesday when police in Ladakh opened fire on protesters advocating for statehood and inclusion in the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule. The situation in Leh remained tense following the clashes, prompting the district magistrate to impose restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, though Section 144 was not enacted.
The violence erupted as police attempted to disperse thousands of demonstrators assembled outside the local BJP office. These protesters, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB)—a coalition comprising political, religious, and civil society groups—had initiated a shutdown in response to two elderly hunger strikers who fainted after 16 days of fasting to further their demands.
Clashes escalated into stone-pelting, baton charges, and the use of tear gas. Protesters set fire to the BJP office, leading police to open fire, according to LAB chairman Chering Dorjey, who confirmed the fatalities. “There was intense firing in the town. Scores were injured, and four people have died so far,” he informed the media.
Notable environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who participated in a hunger strike supporting the protests, condemned the violence and announced the end of his fast. “This was the frustration of the youth that came out,” Wangchuk stated. “Although our protest has always been peaceful, this violence has taken us back to the beginning.” He dismissed claims that political parties had incited the unrest, asserting that no political entity could mobilize such a significant turnout.
Authorities reported that additional police reinforcements have been deployed to maintain order. Tundup Nubu Cheetha, the Phyang Councillor, indicated that local officials were occupied with efforts to restore peace.
The unrest began when police sought to disperse LAB protesters gathered outside the BJP office. In response to inquiries about the situation’s current state, Wangchuk noted that conditions were calming. “We will see what the next days hold. We have learned that some top officials from the Home Ministry are coming here for a meeting, so that might give us a solution,” he said. He mentioned that public anger persisted as they felt officials had trivialized their protest with prolonged discussions.
Wangchuk expressed sorrow over the deaths and injuries, with numbers continuing to rise. The abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and the establishment of Ladakh as a union territory in 2019 have reignited calls for the region’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which offers legislative and financial powers to tribal-majority areas through autonomous district councils. This demand resonates significantly, given that over 90% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes.
Meanwhile, the Central government is scheduled to hold fresh discussions with significant local organizations, including LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6. Cheetha confirmed that efforts for peace restoration remained a priority. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders seek resolution.
Tags: Ladakh protests, statehood demand, police shooting, Leh violence, BJP office fire
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