Four people were killed and 30 others injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces during a shutdown in Leh, Ladakh, on Wednesday, according to officials. The unrest erupted amid ongoing agitation by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to protect tribal rights. Police resorted to firing to control the situation after protesters allegedly attacked a BJP office and several vehicles, escalating what began as a peaceful demonstration.

The clashes followed a 35-day hunger strike by 15 activists, with two hospitalized on Tuesday due to deteriorating health, prompting the LAB's youth wing to call for the protest. Officials reported widespread violence, including arson, while protesters claimed the fatalities resulted from police gunfire. The incident highlights growing tensions in Ladakh, a Union Territory established in 2019 following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, local groups have pushed for greater autonomy, arguing that the current status undermines their cultural and land rights under the Indian Constitution's Sixth Schedule, which provides safeguards for tribal areas in states like Assam and Meghalaya.

In response to the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across Leh district, banning assemblies of five or more persons, processions, rallies, and the use of loudspeakers without prior approval. Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk cited apprehensions of further disturbances to public peace and potential threats to human life as reasons for the ex parte order. Violations could attract punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), emphasizing the need for immediate measures to restore order.

Also Read: Manipur Bans Air Guns in Churachandpur Ahead of PM’s Visit

The shutdown paralyzed Leh, with flames and smoke visible from the BJP office and damaged vehicles, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. As Ladakh grapples with these demands, the events raise concerns about regional stability and the government's handling of autonomy aspirations. Investigations into the clashes are ongoing, with calls for dialogue to address the protesters' grievances amid a backdrop of heightened security.

Also Read: Prohibitory Order Imposed Within 5 Km Radius Of Guwahati Raj Bhavan