Leh, Ladakh: Firing by police in Leh during violent protests on Wednesday left at least four people dead and dozens injured. The administration said curfew has been imposed across the town and gatherings banned under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Ministry of Home Affairs defended the police action, calling it self-defence after security forces came under attack.
According to the administration, the violence began when demonstrators supporting activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike marched out of the protest site and attacked the local BJP office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor. Officials said both offices were set on fire, a police vehicle was torched, and more than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting.
Police then opened fire, which officials said was necessary to protect security personnel under assault. The firing caused multiple casualties, leading to the imposition of curfew in Leh.
Amid the unrest, Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast and left the protest site in an ambulance. The Home Ministry accused him of provoking the crowd through inflammatory speeches and said he made no effort to calm the situation.
The government said Ladakh’s concerns are already part of talks with local groups through a High-Powered Committee. It pointed to recent steps such as expanding Scheduled Tribe reservations, granting one-third reservation for women in councils, recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and opening recruitment for government posts.
Civil society groups in Leh condemned the police firing, calling it excessive force, and demanded an independent investigation. The region remains tense under curfew as the next round of talks between the Centre and Ladakhi leaders is scheduled for October 6.
