Modi government imposes curfew in Ladakh

The curfew was imposed in the Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh after at least four people were killed in clashes with police during a protest demanding full statehood. Many more were injured in Wednesday's fiery protests and a local office of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was set on fire.

The government statement said the activist who led the protest, Sonam Wangchuk, was responsible for inciting the violence, which he denied.

Ladakh, which has a Muslim and Buddhist population, was declared a separate union territory from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. However, the Buddhist-dominated Leh region and the Muslim-majority Kargil district have long been agitating for special rights and autonomy. Since 2019, both communities have come together to demand the restoration of full statehood and autonomy for Ladakh.

Police used live ammunition and tear gas in clashes on Tuesday and Wednesday, injuring several protesters. Four people were seriously injured and died. The government statement said, “The police had to open fire in self-defense, which unfortunately resulted in some casualties.”

Wangchuk called for peace after ending his hunger strike since September 12, saying the violence was “damaging our movement.” He claimed that he was not responsible for the violence; rather, the youth’s frustration and long-term unemployment had driven them to the streets.

“The youth of Ladakh are against violence. However, they are frustrated because the government has repeatedly delayed the dialogue process,” said Tshering Dorje Lakruk, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association.

India has a large military presence in Ladakh, which also shares disputed borders with China and Pakistan. In 2020, 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in clashes in the Galwan Valley.

Official sources said that some politically motivated individuals remained unsatisfied after talks with local leaders on Monday and Tuesday.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta said, “The recent violence smacks of a conspiracy.”

Further discussions will be held next Thursday and Friday, and a central government committee will meet local leaders on October 6.