• Source:JND
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Ladakh Statehood Protest: At least four people were killed, while 30 others sustained injuries after protesters clashed with security personnel in Leh on Wednesday. The protest, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) over demands of statehood for Ladakh, turned violent after a group of protesting youth set the BJP office in Leh on fire and pelted stones at the Hill Council headquarters, and also torched several police vehicles.

The Police resorted to firing to bring the situation under control after the protesters indulged in widespread violence. The protesters are claiming that the four people were killed in police firing, news agency PTI reported. The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to ban the assembly of five or more people in the region.

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.

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.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After Violence

Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading the hunger strike in Ladakh, today denounced the violent clashes and asked the protesters not to indulge in arson. He also ended his 15-day hunger strike and urged the youth and general public to maintain peace and not resort to violence, stressing that the struggle for Ladakh's rights must remain non-violent. "Our movement will only succeed if it is built on peace and Gandhian principles," he said, appealing to the police and security forces to avoid the use of excessive force.

"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.

Ladakh Festival Called Off

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.

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