The protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) turned violent leading to the death of four people. Sixty others were also injured in the violence. The protesters set afire the local BJP office and a vehicle too, when they resorted to arson. Sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control, police used teargas and wielded their lathis to check the violence.
Due to the tense situation, the Union administration in Leh imposed a curfew in the city, banning gatherings and protests in Leh. Assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh, according to an official order.
LAB called for a protest demanding four issues of Ladakh. “We will not let the sacrifices made by the young people go waste, said Thupstan Tswang, chairman of Apex body of Ladakh.
On August 5, 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory, coming directly under the Centre’s control, after abrogation of Article 370. Till then, Ladakh had been part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. The citizens of the Union Territory are now demanding statehood.
The protest demanding statehood was taken up by 15 people, who went on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10. Two of them were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.
On Tuesday, Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast while urging supporters to avoid violence. The Gen Z’s frenzy disrupted the peace process, Wangchuk said. “our protest had been going on peacefully for the last five years. The protest by youth was mainly against unemployment and other issues,” he added.
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