Violent protests erupted in Leh on Wednesday as demonstrators called for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. The unrest followed a shutdown call by student and youth organizations, sparked by the fainting of two elderly hunger strikers on Tuesday, both of whom were demanding political change. One woman and one man collapsed during their fast and were rushed to the hospital, fueling the widespread protests.
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Tensions escalated as protestors set fire to buildings and a security vehicle stationed nearby. Police and paramilitary forces had already been deployed to the site but struggled to contain the violence. Witnesses reported heavy smoke rising from the buildings as they were engulfed in flames.
Protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has led the protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, expressed his disappointment over the turn of events. Wangchuk, who had been fasting for 35 days, condemned the violence and called for a halt to the disruptions. He also announced the end of his hunger strike.
The protests are rooted in the ongoing struggle for Ladakh’s political future following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which led to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. With over 90% of Ladakh’s population belonging to Scheduled Tribes, many argue that inclusion under the Sixth Schedule is essential for protecting their cultural and political autonomy.