Authorities in Leh, Ladakh, have placed the city under curfew following recent violent clashes. On Wednesday, police faced off against protesters demanding Ladakh get its statehood back. The unrest led to at least four deaths and many injuries, including more than 30 police officers. Demonstrators even set fire to a local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This recent outbreak of anger stems from a decision made in 2019. That year, the Indian government, led by the BJP, stripped Ladakh of its semi-autonomous status. They separated it from Jammu and Kashmir, making it a Union Territory. Now, both the Buddhist community in Leh and the Muslim community in Kargil are united. They want their self-governance rights restored and guarantees for local jobs.
The Indian Home Ministry quickly pointed fingers at Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known activist. They accused him of stirring up trouble by comparing the protests to the “Arab Spring” and youth uprisings in Nepal. Wangchuk, however, strongly denied any role in the violence. He ended his hunger strike, which began on September 12, and urged everyone to keep the peace. He believes the true cause of the unrest is the deep frustration and unemployment among young people.
The central government says it has been talking with local leaders since 2023 and has made good progress. Yet, they admit some “politically motivated individuals” are not happy with the current situation. Kavinder Gupta, the central government-appointed Governor of Ladakh, confirmed an investigation into the violence. He suggested that comparing these protests to events in Bangladesh and Nepal might hint at hidden “political motives.”
Despite the recent tension, talks are set to continue. Protesters and officials will meet again on September 26 and 27. Additionally, a special committee from the central government plans to meet with local leaders on October 6.
Source: BBC