The BRICS TimesCurfew enforced across Ladakh towns after violent protests; police detain 50 people, heavy security deployed
Authorities detained at least 50 individuals on Thursday as police and paramilitary forces enforced a strict curfew in Leh, following violent clashes that left four people dead and over 80 others injured on Wednesday.
The unrest erupted after a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to push for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh turned violent, with widespread arson and street confrontations.
Other major towns, including Kargil, also faced strict prohibitory orders. Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a shutdown in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike.
Wangchuk ended his two-week hunger strike after clashes intensified in Leh. Protesters had torched the BJP office, damaged vehicles, and vandalized the Hill Council headquarters, leading officials to impose an indefinite curfew in the town.
“The situation in the curfew areas is currently under control. No further untoward incidents have been reported,” a police official told PTI.
Around 50 people were detained overnight for their involvement in the violence, the official added. Among the injured, three were Nepalese citizens. Police are investigating if any foreign elements played a role in the unrest.
Over the past four years, the LAB and KDA have led agitations for statehood and Sixth Schedule extension. They have engaged in multiple discussions with the Central government, with the next round scheduled for October 6.
Officials confirmed a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel in Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, Padam, Changtang, Drass, and Lamayuru to prevent further clashes.
Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning assembly of five or more people, processions, and demonstrations without prior permission. The orders also restricted loudspeakers, amplified devices, and vehicle-mounted public announcements without authorization. Public statements likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity were strictly prohibited.
Tensions in Leh escalated when two participants of a 35-day hunger strike were hospitalized on Tuesday after their health deteriorated. The LAB youth wing immediately called for protests.
The Centre said the mob violence was triggered by “provocative statements” from Wangchuk. Officials added that some “politically motivated” individuals opposed the progress in talks between Ladakhi groups and the government.
“The government remains committed to the aspirations of Ladakh’s people and is providing adequate constitutional safeguards,” the Home Ministry stated on Wednesday night.
Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta called the events heart-wrenching, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a democratic right but the violence appeared premeditated. “Curfew has been imposed as a precaution to prevent further casualties,” he said.
In a press conference, Wangchuk said the hospitalization of Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60) likely triggered the protests. He urged Ladakhi youth to halt violence immediately.
“This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for me personally. Our five-year peaceful journey, including hunger strikes and walks from Leh to Delhi, has been overshadowed by violence and arson,” Wangchuk said, appealing for calm and stability.
