• Source:JND
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Ladakh Statehood Protest: A clash broke out between security forces and protesters in Leh on Wednesday after a group of protesting youth turned violent and pelted stones at the BJP office amid a shutdown over demands of statehood for Ladakh. The protesters also set ablaze the BJP office in Leh and torched a police vehicle. Meanwhile, the Police fired tear gas shells and resorted to baton charges to control the violent mob.

The protest was organised by the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) after two of the 15 people, who began a 35-day hunger strike on September 10, were hospitalised after their health deteriorated on Tuesday evening. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led the hunger strike.

Sonam Wangchuk, however, denounced the violent clashes and asked the protesters not to indulge in arson. "VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH. My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause," Wangchuk said in a video message posted on X.

The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on the extension of the Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. A fresh round of talks is scheduled between the Centre and representatives from Ladakh, comprising members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6.

Owing to the protest and the violent clashes, the four-day annual Ladakh festival has also been cancelled. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta was scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the festival today. The administration appealed to the public for cooperation and understanding, and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation in the festival.

"The administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has announced cancellation of the last day and closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival due to unavoidable circumstances. The administration deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all stakeholders including local artists, cultural troupes, tourists, and the people of Ladakh who were eagerly looking forward to the event," the Department of Information and Public Relations said in a statement.