Ladakh's statehood protests turn violent, four killed; curfew imposed across Leh

Four persons were killed and at least 45 sustained injuries in intense clashes between protesters and security personnel in Leh town of Ladakh as the statehood for Ladakh movement descended into violence, arson and street clashes on Wednesday. Among the injured were 22 police personnel.

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The police resorted to firing to bring the situation under control after protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards, clashed with the police, attacked a BJP office and several vehicles including one belonging to the police, officials said.

The clash the first instance of violence during the ongoing statehood movement - started on Wednesday morning after hundreds of protesters took to the streets. Earlier, they had been observing a hunger strike and called a complete shutdown to press their statehood demand.

The violence played out in the backdrop of the upcoming talks between the Leh Apex Body and the government. The Centre has called for a meeting with the representatives on October 6 to resume talks on the demands of the people of Ladakh.

For the last two weeks, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been observing a hunger strike in Ladakh for statehood and the inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

As the sun set on what is arguably the worst day of violence in recent memory in the cold desert region, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his fortnight-long hunger strike to press for statehood. With several of those injured in a critical condition, there are fears the death toll could go up.

The morning began with a complete shutdown in the Ladakh capital. Hundreds of people took to the streets.

As the day progressed, flames and dark smoke clouds could be seen from afar. Police resorted to firing and teargas shelling to bring the situation under control after the protesters indulged in widespread violence, officials said.

The administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to ban the assembly of five or more people, they said. Besides, Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag was booked for allegedly making a provocative speech at the hunger strike venue on Tuesday.