Tragedy Strikes Leh Ladakh: Four Dead, 59 Injured in Violent Protests Over Statehood Demands

In a heartbreaking turn of events, four people lost their lives and 59 others were injured during intense clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Leh town, Ladakh, on Wednesday. The violence erupted amid a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), as locals pushed for statehood and expanded protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The protests, which began peacefully, quickly escalated when security personnel intervened to control the crowds. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with stones thrown and tear gas deployed, leading to the tragic casualties. Among the injured were both protesters and some police officers, underscoring the deep frustrations simmering in the region since Ladakh's reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019.

Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key figure in the LAB, announced the immediate suspension of the ongoing strike in response to the unrest. "We cannot let more lives be lost," he stated, urging calm while vowing to continue the fight through non-violent means. Authorities have since imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 to prevent further incidents, restricting public gatherings and movement in the area.

The demands stem from concerns over cultural preservation, environmental protection, and economic autonomy for the Buddhist-majority region, which borders China and Pakistan. Ladakh's transformation from a part of Jammu and Kashmir has left many feeling sidelined, sparking repeated agitations. This latest episode highlights the urgent need for dialogue between the protesters and the central government to address these longstanding grievances.

As the situation stabilizes, residents and observers alike hope for a peaceful resolution that honors the aspirations of the Ladakhi people. For the full story and updates, read the original reporting here.