Violence erupted in Leh town Wednesday when protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in four deaths and over seventy injuries. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Act following the unrest. Demonstrators pelted stones at police, set fire to vehicles and the BJP office, and attempted to storm the Hill Council Secretariat building. Security personnel deployed tear gas and opened fire to control the escalating situation. More than three dozen officers sustained injuries during the confrontations.
The protests began as solidarity demonstrations for hunger strikers who had fasted for nearly two weeks before turning violent. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off the hunger strike and urged peaceful protest methods after the violence began. Protesters demand implementation of the Sixth Schedule, statehood status, and environmental protection for Ladakh. The administration cancelled the concluding events of the two-day Leh Festival due to the deteriorating law and order situation.
The protests began as solidarity demonstrations for hunger strikers who had fasted for nearly two weeks before turning violent. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off the hunger strike and urged peaceful protest methods after the violence began. Protesters demand implementation of the Sixth Schedule, statehood status, and environmental protection for Ladakh. The administration cancelled the concluding events of the two-day Leh Festival due to the deteriorating law and order situation.
