Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew across Leh district Thursday following violent clashes that claimed four lives and injured over 80 people, including 40 police personnel, during protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. At least 50 individuals were detained overnight for their alleged roles in the unrest, as heavy security forces maintained order amid fears of further escalation. The shutdown, called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to pressure the central government for advancing talks, devolved into arson and street battles Wednesday, marking the most severe violence in the region since 1989.
The unrest erupted in Leh, the administrative hub of the Union Territory, when protesters—frustrated by the hospitalisation of two hunger strikers on Tuesday—targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, setting it ablaze along with several vehicles, including a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) van. Demonstrators also vandalised the Hill Council headquarters, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and baton charges.
Among the injured were three Nepalese citizens, raising suspicions of external involvement, which police are investigating. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta described the violence as a "conspiracy" by vested interests, stating in a televised address that the curfew was a precautionary measure to avert more casualties. "Everyone has the right to speak peacefully in a democracy, but this was not spontaneous," Gupta said, vowing stern action against perpetrators.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) banned assemblies of five or more people, processions, and unauthorised use of loudspeakers or public statements that could incite unrest. Similar restrictions extended to Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) observed a solidarity shutdown supporting climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's now-suspended hunger strike.
Heavy deployments of police and paramilitary in riot gear were reported in sensitive areas like Zanskar, Nubra, Padam, Changtang, Drass, and Lamayuru. A police official confirmed the situation remained under control with no fresh incidents, crediting rapid response teams for stabilising the region.
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The central government, via the Ministry of Home Affairs, reaffirmed its commitment to Ladakhi aspirations through ongoing dialogues, including a High-Powered Committee meeting scheduled for October 6 and sessions on September 25-26. It accused "politically motivated" elements of derailing progress, such as increasing tribal reservations from 45% to 84% and recognisinglocal languages.
As Ladakh grapples with this flare-up, the incident highlights simmering discontent in the strategically vital border region amid broader national debates on federalism. With the next talks looming, stakeholders on both sides face pressure to restore calm and address core grievances, preventing further erosion of trust in the democratic process.
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