Leh, Sept 24: At least four people were killed and 30 others injured on Wednesday as violent clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel during a shutdown in Leh town, called by the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) in support of its demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
Officials said the situation spiraled out of control when protesters turned violent, attacking a local BJP office and damaging several vehicles. Security forces, in an attempt to disperse the crowd, opened fire, leaving four people dead and dozens wounded.
The protesters, however, alleged that the fatalities occurred due to police firing, accusing the administration of using excessive force against what they termed a “peaceful movement for Ladakh’s constitutional rights.”
The protest was triggered by growing public anger after two of the 15 hunger strikers, who have been on a 35-day fast since September 10, were rushed to a hospital late Tuesday as their health deteriorated.
Wednesday’s bloodshed marks one of the deadliest flare-ups since the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, which carved Ladakh into a separate Union Territory without a legislature.
Authorities have imposed strict security restrictions in Leh and adjoining areas to prevent further escalation, even as the LAB vowed to intensify its agitation until their demands are met.
About The Author
Discover more from THE KASHMIR GRAPH
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.