Four protestors have died and over 90 injured in violent clashes in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. To control the situation, the administration has closed schools and colleges for two days, and so far, 50 people have been taken into custody.
Leh Violence: The situation in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, remains abnormal. Tensions have escalated following recent clashes between security forces and protestors. In this violence, four protestors have died, while more than 90 people are reported injured. In view of the current situation, the district administration has taken a major decision and issued an order to close all government and private schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers for two days starting from Friday.
Efforts for Peace in Leh Amidst Curfew
Curfew continued in several parts of Leh on Thursday. Although the police state that the situation is now under control and no new incidents have been reported, the administration does not want to take any risks. For this reason, District Magistrate Romil Singh Donak issued an order that all educational institutions would remain closed. This step has also been taken to keep children and youth away from any untoward situation and to try to normalize the environment.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
The impact of the Leh violence has also affected climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. He ended his fortnight-long hunger strike midway. Condemning the violence, Wangchuk stated that it is the saddest day for Ladakh. He said that for the past five years, they had been on a peaceful path, but now this struggle has turned violent, which is detrimental to their movement. He appealed to the youth to stay away from violence and continue the movement peacefully.
Central Government and Activist at Loggerheads
Against the backdrop of the violence, the central government has held Sonam Wangchuk responsible. The Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that the violence perpetrated by the crowd was instigated by his provocative statements. However, Wangchuk rejected these accusations, stating that there is an attempt to make him a scapegoat. According to him, the government is adopting this strategy to divert attention from the real issues.
Wangchuk even stated that he is prepared for arrest under the Public Safety Act. He warned the government that what is needed at this time is not cleverness but wisdom, as the youth of Ladakh are already disappointed and desperate.
50 People Detained, Strict Action on Violence
During the bandh called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which turned violent, 50 people have been detained so far. This organization had called for a protest with demands such as the extension of the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, statehood, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and reservation in employment. The situation deteriorated during the protest, leading to clashes with security forces. Since the violence, the administration has been on high alert and security arrangements have been further strengthened.
Demands of Ladakh
For a long time, there has been a demand for statehood in Ladakh. People say that the current framework is unable to fulfill their aspirations. Local organizations believe that the extension of the Sixth Schedule is necessary to preserve the cultural and geographical distinctiveness of the region. Issues of employment and political representation have also strengthened the movement. The demand for separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil is being made to ensure equal representation for both regions.
