{ MHA ON LADAKH VIOLENCE } ‘Activist incited mob by citing Arab Spring’

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said the mob violence in Ladakh was allegedly incited by activist Sonam Wangchuk, further accusing him of misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protests and references to the recent Gen Z protests in Nepal.

- Neeraj Chauhan

Protesters set ablaze the BJP office building during a demonstration in Leh on Wednesday.

‘Wednesday's events were allegedly fuelled by politically motivated individuals who were not happy with the progress made by the high-powered committee led by Union MoS Nityanand Rai, to address concerns raised by the people in Ladakh, and were trying to sabotage the dialogue, the MHA said, adding the situation has been brought under control.

“A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of high-powered committee as well as subcommittee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the MHA said ina statement.