Kargil 24 September :- In a dramatic escalation of unrest in Ladakh, protests in Leh turned violent as a group of youths allegedly resorted to stone-pelting during a region-wide shutdown. Police responded with teargas shells and baton charge to disperse the protesters.
The agitation, called in support of advancing talks with the Centre over the demand for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, saw the BJP’s Leh office being set on fire and a security vehicle torched outside the premises. The shutdown was spearheaded by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) after two of the 15 individuals on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 were hospitalized due to deteriorating health.
The hunger strike, led by noted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has become a major part of the ongoing agitation in the Union Territory. A new round of talks between the Centre and the joint representatives of LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is scheduled for October 6. Political activist Sajjad Kargili termed the violence in Leh as “unfortunate” but stressed that the unrest reflected growing frustration and insecurity among the people due to the government’s “failed Union Territory experiment.” He urged the Centre to act responsibly by fulfilling promises of statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, while appealing to protestors to remain peaceful and united. (With the Inputs of Agencies)