Ladakh statehood protests turn violent; L-G clamps curfew

Four killed; 45, including 22 police personnel, injured

- ARCHIS MOHAN & PTI

Council Secretariat building set on fire by protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh, on Tuesday

(PTI)

An agitation demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent in Leh on Wednesday, following which at least four people were killed, and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. This is one of the worst incidents of violence reported in the sensitive border region of the country.

The protesters had answered a bandh call demanding the Centre to hold dialogue at the earliest to discuss statehood for Ladakh, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil and reservation in government jobs. Meanwhile, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday blamed “vested interests” for the violence, as he announced a curfew to prevent more bloodshed and vowed action against the guilty. He said violence will not be tolerated and those behind it will be identified and prosecuted. “All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties,” Gupta said.