Violent protests in Leh demand Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule

Violent street clashes broke out in Leh on Wednesday as protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Constitution's Sixth Schedule torched the local office of the ruling party, set multiple vehicles alight and engaged in stone pelting with police, prompting a heavy security response and the imposition of prohibitory orders. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent leader of the agitation, ended a hunger strike and appealed for calm as authorities moved to restore order.

The unrest followed a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body youth wing after two hunger strikers were hospitalised amid deteriorating health. Demonstrators, who have been pressing the Centre to advance stalled talks on granting greater autonomy and safeguards for Ladakh, marched through Leh and attacked the party office and a security vehicle outside it, officials said. Police fired teargas and carried out baton charges to disperse groups that officials said had turned violent.

Accounts of casualties and injuries varied. Officials cited by some reports said at least four people were killed and dozens injured, including police personnel. Other figures circulated on social media and from...