The situation in Ladakh remains extremely concerning amid ongoing protests that have resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries. The incident occurred during widespread clashes amid a shutdown in the region.
In an effort to bring the situation under control, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. During the meeting, Gupta called for heightened vigilance to maintain peace across Ladakh, as reported by news agency PTI.
The shutdown and protest were called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in support of demands to expedite proposed talks with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood for Ladakh.
The Lieutenant Governor’s office posted on social media platform X: “A high-level security review meeting assessed the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, and public order across the UT,” according to PTI.
Officials from Ladakh stated that senior officers from the police, CRPF, and civil administration attended the meeting, discussing in detail the prevailing law and order situation in the region.
On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters supporting the movement for Ladakh’s statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule turned violent. As reported by PTI, the protest intensified quickly, with demonstrators setting fire to the BJP office in Leh and several vehicles.
In response, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and its adjoining areas to restore order.
The Centre alleged that the mob violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Modi-led party also suggested that some “politically motivated” individuals were unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh to support the twin demands, called off his strike following the violence on Wednesday. He urged people to restore peace throughout Ladakh, according to PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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