Violent Protests in Leh Over Statehood and Sixth Schedule Demand Leave 4 Dead, 70 Injured; Curfew Imposed
Mass protests over demands for statehood and other issues became violent in Leh on Wednesday. It results in at least four deaths and more than fifty injuries.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 24: Demonstrators calling for independence and the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule led violent rallies. It has resulted in at least four deaths and over 70 injuries. Authorities have banned gatherings of more than five individuals. They have also enforced a curfew throughout the city.
Protestors Reach BJP Office and Clash With Police
The protestors have burned down the local BJP office. A car was also set on fire. To control the violence, police charged demonstrators and used tear gas.
The Union government in Leh Ladakh has enforced a curfew. This is in accordance with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It has instantly prohibited demonstrations and assemblies in Leh.
Curfew Declared After Violence Erupts in Leh
According to Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, no march, rally, or procession may be held without the appropriate authority's previous written consent.
He said, "No one shall use a vehicle-mounted or other loudspeaker without prior approval from the competent authority. No one shall make any statements which have the potential to disturb public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problems in the district.”
He adds, "As notice cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex parte.Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 223 of BNS.”
Leh Apex Body Calls for Statehood and Sixth Schedule Inclusion
The Leh Apex Body's (LAB) youth wing organized the agitation. It was a component of the broader movement to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and to grant it statehood.
Thupstan Tswang is the Chairman of Apex body of Ladakh. He said, "We have been running a movement here for a long time on four issues of Ladakh. There were some incidents that led to acts of violence. During this violence, 2-3 young men have been martyred for our cause. I want to assure the people of Ladakh that we will not let the sacrifices made by these young people today go to waste."
The indigenous communities in the northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam are intended to be protected by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. It lays down certain guidelines for government, such as the responsibilities and authority of the governor and president. It also establishes legal systems, specifies the kinds of local governing entities, and provides financial authority through independent councils.
Centre to Hold Talks With Ladakh Groups on October 6
On October 6, the Centre will hold a new round of negotiations with Ladakh representatives. The meeting will include members of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
After the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Ladakh, which had been a part of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, became a Union Territory. It came under direct national authority. Ladakh is now calling for statehood after praising the decision to separate it from the state and become a UT.
The shutdown was demanded after two of the fifteen people were moved to a hospital because their health was getting worse. They had been on a hunger strike since September 10 under the leadership of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk urged supporters to refrain from violence as he called off his 15-day fast on Tuesday.
