Massive clashes in Ladakh; four people reported killed and over 70 injured in statehood protest 

NEW DELHI: Four people have reportedly been killed during the ongoing protest demanding statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh. 70 people are reported to have been injured. Protesters and police clashed in Leh city. Protesters pelted stones at officials. The demand is for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Protesters set fire to a police vehicle during the clash. Protesters pelted stones at the BJP office during a demonstration in the Leh region and then set it on fire. Police used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the protesters. Prohibitory orders have now been imposed in Ladakh.

Ladakh has been witnessing intense protests for the past few weeks. The youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) started the protest in solidarity with prominent environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk. Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 14 days, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The youth took to the streets to support his protest.

The Centre has said it will hold a meeting with Ladakh representatives on October 6 to resume talks on the demands of the people of Ladakh. The Union Territory of Ladakh was created on October 31, 2019, as a separate administrative entity after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Many activists in Leh, including Wangchuk, welcomed the decision at the time. However, within a year, people had expressed concerns about a political vacuum under the Lieutenant Governor's rule. This has led to protests and hunger strikes.