Ladakh Unrest: Curfew Imposed in Leh After Four Killed in Violent Clashes

Leh district in Ladakh was placed under curfew on Wednesday following violent clashes that left four people dead and more than 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. The unrest broke out during a shutdown organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has long demanded statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Protesters clashed with security forces throughout the day, setting fire to a BJP office, a police vehicle, and several private cars. Authorities described the violence as a conspiracy aimed at disturbing Ladakh’s peaceful atmosphere.

Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta expressed condolences to the families of those killed and announced stringent action against those responsible. He emphasized that violence would not be tolerated and ordered police and administration officials to identify the culprits. “The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent further bloodshed,” Gupta said, urging people not to fall prey to misinformation.

The violence marked one of the most serious escalations since LAB began its agitation five years ago. While leaders of the protest continue to press for constitutional safeguards, the violence has heightened concerns about public order in the strategically sensitive Union Territory.