Violent Clashes Shake Leh Over Statehood Push
In a tragic turn of events, the Himalayan region of Ladakh has been gripped by violence as protests demanding statehood escalated into deadly clashes on September 24. At least four people lost their lives, and over 80 others were injured in Leh, the capital of this union territory, during widespread unrest. The protests, led by groups like the Leh Apex Body (LAB), turned violent, with reports of arson, including the torching of a local office of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a vehicle.
Indian security forces responded by imposing a strict curfew in Leh under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning gatherings of five or more people without prior written approval. Police and paramilitary forces used tear gas and batons to control the crowds, while over 50 individuals were detained. The government has pointed fingers at activist Sonam Wangchuk, accusing him of inciting violence, a charge he firmly denies.
Curfew Continues as Tensions Linger
As of September 29, the curfew remains in effect in Leh for the sixth consecutive day, with mobile internet services suspended and heavy security deployed across the town. A brief relaxation of the curfew for two hours on September 29 saw no reported incidents, but normalcy is far from restored. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta is set to review the security situation, while the LAB has decided to refrain from talks with the central government until peace returns to the region.
The unrest has deep roots in Ladakh's history. The region, with a population of about 300,000, lost its semi-autonomy in 2019 when it was separated from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and placed under direct federal rule. Predominantly Buddhist in the Leh area, the community has long demanded statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard their cultural identity and environment.
Among the casualties was Tsewang Tharchin, a 46-year-old Kargil War veteran, whose death has added a poignant layer to the tragedy. The cremation of two of the four victims took place under tight security, with media access restricted, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity of the situation.
Tourism and Local Life Hit Hard by Unrest
The violence and subsequent curfew have dealt a severe blow to Ladakh's tourism industry, a vital economic lifeline for the region. Visitors are stranded, confined to their accommodations, while bookings are being canceled en masse. Local businesses are reeling from the losses, with many residents pleading for a swift return to normalcy to salvage their livelihoods.
The ongoing standoff between protesters and authorities casts a shadow over Ladakh's future. With activist Sonam Wangchuk now jailed in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and talks with the central government stalled, the path to resolution remains unclear. As security measures tighten and tensions simmer, the region braces for what comes next in this struggle for recognition and autonomy.