Ladakh Violence: 50 Detained as Curfew Enforced After Clashes Leave 4 Dead

SRINAGAR: At least 50 people have been detained following violent clashes in Leh that left four dead and over 89 injured, as security forces maintained strict curfew in Ladakh on Thursday.

The unrest erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding statehood and the extension of Sixth Schedule protections for the region. Officials said protesters engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting the BJP office, several vehicles, and ransacking the Hill Council headquarters. Authorities confirmed that the situation is now under control, with no new incidents reported.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a fortnight-long hunger strike supporting the demands, abandoned his fast following the escalation. Wangchuk condemned the violence as a setback to the peaceful movement of the past five years and appealed to youth to refrain from violent acts.

The Centre alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” contributed to the unrest, suggesting politically motivated elements were dissatisfied with the progress of ongoing talks between the government and Ladakhi groups. The Union Home Ministry said police were investigating potential foreign involvement, noting that three of the injured were Nepalese citizens. Wangchuk rejected these claims as a “scapegoat tactic” and expressed willingness to be arrested under the Public Safety Act.

Strict prohibitory measures, including bans on gatherings of more than five people, were imposed in other towns such as Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a parallel shutdown. Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar invoked the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent processions and public statements likely to disturb peace.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review, calling Wednesday’s events “heart-wrenching” and attributing them to a “conspiracy,” while urging heightened vigilance and inter-agency coordination. (KNC)