Four Killed, Dozens Injured As Protests Turn Violent In Leh

Four protesters were killed and over 70 were injured in violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Leh town on Wednesday.

In response, District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, citing concerns over public safety and law and order.

The order prohibits processions, rallies, and marches without prior approval, bans loudspeaker-equipped vehicles, restricts statements that could incite unrest, and forbids gatherings of five or more people.

Officials said the measures aim to prevent further tensions and maintain peace.

The unrest began as a demonstration in solidarity with hunger strikers who had fasted for nearly two weeks.

The protest quickly turned violent when the crowd attempted to storm and set fire to the Leh Hill Development Council Secretariat.

Firefighters contained the blaze before it could spread, although the building sustained partial damage.

Protesters also torched vehicles, including a CRPF vehicle, and vandalised the BJP office. Security forces used tear gas and baton charges before opening fire to regain control. The unrest injured over 36 security personnel, some critically, and authorities hospitalised them.

Health Concerns and Calls for Peace

The hunger strike, led by the Apex Body, entered its third week.

The deteriorating health of participants, including 72-year-old Chhering Angchok and 60-year-old Doma, intensified the protest movement.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off the strike, urging protesters to adopt peaceful, Gandhian methods to achieve their demands.

The demonstrators’ key demands include the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, statehood for Ladakh, and protection of the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Authorities abruptly cancelled the two-day Leh Festival, including a ceremony planned for Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, due to the unrest.

BJP leader Amit Malviya accused a Congress councillor of instigating the violence, while J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on the protesters’ frustration over unfulfilled promises of statehood.

Authorities confirmed that heightened security measures would remain in place across Leh to prevent further disturbances.

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