LEH– Four protesters were killed and more than 70 injured after violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in Leh on Wednesday, prompting the District Magistrate to impose emergency restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023.
Chering Dorjay, chairman of the Leh Hill Development Council, confirmed the casualties, saying the violence left four dead and scores hurt. Officials added that more than three dozen security personnel were also injured, several critically.
District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk announced a sweeping order restricting gatherings of more than five people, banning rallies and marches without prior approval, and prohibiting loudspeakers and inflammatory statements. The order, passed ex-parte, will remain in force until further notice.
The protests began as a show of solidarity with hunger strikers who have been fasting for nearly three weeks but quickly spiraled into violence. Witnesses said the crowd attempted to storm the Leh Hill Council Secretariat, set fire to vehicles including a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) truck, and vandalized the local BJP office. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, later opening fire when the violence escalated. Fire crews managed to prevent the Hill Council Secretariat from burning down, though it sustained partial damage.
The hunger strike, organized by the Apex Body, has drawn growing public support. Two participants—72-year-old Chhering Angchok and 60-year-old Doma—were hospitalized this week after their health deteriorated. Their condition sparked fresh outrage across the region. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been part of the strike, called off his fast on Wednesday and urged protesters to remain calm, stressing that only peaceful, Gandhian methods could achieve their demands.
The protesters’ main demands include statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard tribal rights, and protection of the fragile ecosystem of the region.
The unrest also forced the abrupt cancellation of the Leh Festival, a two-day cultural celebration meant to highlight Ladakh’s traditions and boost tourism. The event was set to conclude with a ceremony attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, but authorities said the prevailing law and order situation made it impossible to continue.
The clashes have already drawn sharp political reactions. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of instigating the mob, posting photos on X to support his claim. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the government, saying Ladakhis felt “betrayed and angry” after being denied statehood and compared their frustration to the unfulfilled statehood promise for Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities said additional security forces remain deployed across Leh, with strict enforcement of prohibitory measures to prevent further violence. (Source: IANS)
