Massive protests rocked Leh on Wednesday as thousands of residents intensified their demand for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
Tensions spiraled after police fired teargas shells and used batons to disperse protestors who allegedly turned violent and pelted stones. In a major flashpoint, demonstrators set the BJP office in Leh on fire, visuals of which were shared by ANI.
The fresh wave of anger comes amid an ongoing 35-day hunger strike called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). Two participants were hospitalised on Tuesday, prompting a shutdown call and large-scale demonstrations. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been leading the agitation, appealed for calm, urging youth to “stop this nonsense” as violence “damages our cause.”
Authorities deployed additional security forces in Leh to restore order. Meanwhile, the 4-day Ladakh Festival was cancelled on its concluding day, where Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta was scheduled to attend.
National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq criticised the handling of the situation, calling it “very unfortunate” and urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with Ladakh’s people.
The protests mark a significant escalation of the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, which locals say are crucial to safeguard Ladakh’s land, culture, and jobs.
