Srinagar : Four people were reportedly killed and more than 20 injured in violent demonstrations by students in Leh town over grant of statehood to the union Territory of Ladakh and inclusion of Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The number of casualties could not be officilaly confirmed.
Students clashed with police and resorted to stone pelting. The clashes took an ugly turn as the protestors torched a CRPF vehicle and the local BJP office. Police fired teargas shells and resorted to cane-charge to disperse the protestors.
Security has been beefed up in the town.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk who has been on hunger strike since September 10 demanding statehood for the UT and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, was supported by Youth wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB). The LAB had given a call for protest and shutdown after the condition of two of the people on hunger strike deteriorated and were hospitalised last evening.
Additional forces were deployed to restore law and order.
Talks between the Centre and representatives of LBA and Kargil Democratic Alliance are scheduled for October 6.
The LBA called for a shut down in support of the demands. People came out on the streets and marched through the streets.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta strongly condemned the violence that led to the loss of lives and injuries to several civilians and security personnel. In a statement issued here the Lt Governor expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, Kavinder Gupta directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He emphasized that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The Lt Governor said that those found involved in the violence will be dealt with sternly as per the law. He further directed the police and district administration to identify and take strict action against all elements responsible for disturbing peace and causing damage.
He appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood and refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt social fabric and public order. “Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, he assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner. He reaffirmed that the Administration stands dedicated to preserving the interests of Ladakh while ensuring development, progress, and security for all.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution meant for the tribal population of four northeast states Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram, has special provisions of governance, powers of the President and Governor, type of local bodies, judicial mechanisms and financial powers to be exercised through autonomous councils.
In a related development, closing ceremony of the four-day annual Ladakh festival was cancelled after the clashes. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta was scheduled to attend the closing ceremony.
“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.
The Ladakh festival has served as a valuable platform for young and budding artists from the region to showcase their talent and develop their skills, further aiming to promote and strengthen the tourism sector across the union Territory, the statement said.
