Shimla/ Leh, Ladakh, Sept 25,
The situation in Leh turned volatile on Wednesday as thousands of people poured into the streets in support of environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 15 days.
According to reports, four people lost their lives and over 30 sustained injuries in clashes between protestors and security forces. Police detained hundreds of demonstrators as unrest spread across the city.
Eyewitnesses said that while a large portion of the protest remained peaceful, tensions escalated when a group of agitators allegedly pelted stones at security personnel. Some miscreants reportedly set fire to the BJP office in Leh and attempted to torch CRPF vehicles.
In response, police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges to disperse the massive crowds. Several vehicles were damaged in the chaos. The unrest gripped Leh between 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM, leaving the city under a tense lockdown.
Authorities have since shut down internet and mobile services across Leh and Ladakh, further isolating communities and leaving families unable to contact one another.
Meanwhile, rights groups and civil society leaders have expressed deep concern. Guman Singh, convenor of an environmental forum Himalayan Niti Abhiyan in Himachal Pradesh, issued a statement:
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the four people who lost their lives, and to the more than 30 who have been injured in this struggle. This movement is rooted in truth, justice, and the protection of Ladakh’s land, environment, and culture. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ladakh in this difficult hour. We call for peace, dialogue, and a just solution that meets the aspirations of Ladakhis.â€
Despite the heavy police crackdown, thousands continue to rally in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, demanding attention to the region’s ecological fragility, land rights, and cultural preservation.
The situation in Leh remains tense as residents brace for further developments.
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