Leh (Ladakh) [India], September 24 (ANI): A hunger strike initiated by activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 10, demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh, turned violent on Tuesday, leading to clashes with police and damage to public property.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. A series of meetings were held through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), its sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings with Ladakh’s leaders.
The process had already delivered key outcomes, including raising reservations for the Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, providing one-third women’s reservations in the councils, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and commencing recruitment for 1,800 posts.
However, the ministry alleged that certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress made under the HPC and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process. The next meeting of the High-Powered Committee has been scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings set for September 25 and 26 with Ladakh leaders.
Despite many leaders urging Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, he continued, often making provocative remarks that drew comparisons with the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen Z protests. On September 24, around 11:30 am, a mob reportedly incited by his speeches attacked a political party office and the Government office of the CEC Leh. Both offices were set ablaze, along with a police vehicle, while security personnel were assaulted.
According to official reports, more than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured. In self-defence, police resorted to firing, leading to casualties. The situation was brought under control by 4 pm. The ministry claimed that Wangchuk, despite breaking his fast and leaving for his village in an ambulance during the unrest, made no serious attempt to calm the situation.
The government urged people not to circulate old or provocative videos on social media and reiterated its commitment to providing adequate constitutional safeguards for the people of Ladakh.
Allegations of a Conspiracy Behind Leh Violence
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 25 (ANI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid alleged that the violent clashes in Leh were not accidental but part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to derail talks between Ladakh’s leadership and the Centre.
Pointing to activist Wangchuk’s earlier references to the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen Z protests, Vaid said: “Seems like a deep-rooted conspiracy… After all, someone responsible should be identified and strict legal action should be taken. They should be booked under the Public Safety Act and charged for instigating violence.”
Vaid expressed concern over the timing of the clashes that left four people dead and dozens injured. “Talks were scheduled for October 6, and even proposed for September 25 and 26. Why did the violence happen today? It seems there’s a political motive behind this,” he told ANI.
The former DGP pointed to the deliberate targeting of political and security establishments. “The BJP office was set on fire, the Hill Council office was torched, CRPF vehicles and public property were damaged. This seems like a well-planned conspiracy. The way Congress supported stone pelting and called for a shutdown shows they want to cash in on this situation,” he alleged.
Vaid further claimed that Ladakh’s youth had been misled into believing they were fighting for a righteous cause. “Youth face unemployment and other challenges, but these can be addressed through elected representatives. Instead, they are being exploited by politicians. Burning property and attacking security forces won’t solve these problems. They have been misguided and misused,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Wangchuk’s hunger strike was already being addressed within the framework of the HPC, which had made substantial progress. The ministry reiterated that certain individuals unhappy with this progress were attempting to derail the dialogue. (ANI)
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