By: The Trek News Desk
The youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) had called for a protest and shutdown on Tuesday after two of the 15 hunger strikers, who had been on a 35-day fast since September 10, were hospitalized.
On Wednesday, the situation in Leh turned tense as the protesting youth clashed with the police and set a security vehicle on fire outside the BJP office. In response, security forces fired tear gas shells and resorted to baton charges to control the situation.
The large-scale protest and shutdown were organized to demand the extension of the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. The protesters urged the BJP-led central government to initiate talks without delay. The situation escalated further when a group of protesters threw stones at the police.
Officials reported that additional forces were deployed to restore law and order.
Sajad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Front, expressed on the social media platform “X,” “What is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, which was once peaceful, is now engulfed in frustration and insecurity due to the government’s failed Union Territory experiment. The responsibility lies with the government to resume dialogue, act sensibly, and fulfill Ladakh’s demand for Statehood and the Sixth Schedule without delay. I urge the people to remain peaceful and steadfast.”
A new round of talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is scheduled for October 6.
This protest and hunger strike are also part of the ongoing movement led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who initiated the hunger strike in support of the demands in the region.
The protesters remain firm in their struggle for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
Source: News Agencies
