SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 24: Uproar amalgamated with strong violence surfaced in Leh as scores of youths ablazed Police vehicle outside Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on Wednesday.
Situation unfolded after the health of two individuals espousing educationist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike deteriorated in return youths summoned to protest vociferously against the Central Government.
It is learnt that Wangchuk is on a 35-day hunger strike, demanding Statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The agitation turned violent after protesters attempted to ransack the office of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.
Police attempted to thwart the protesters following which they began pelting stones at the premises and at security personnel. Vehicles were also torched prompting Police to fire tear gas and baton charge to control the situation.
Pertinent to mention, the Central Government has been discussing with Ladakh’s key representaive bodies for nearly three years regarding demands for Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
In solidarity, the KDA has called for a complete shutdown on Thursday.
Heavy deployment of security forces has been ensured to foil any further escalation across both districts of Ladakh—Leh and Kargil.
