After several deaths and many injuries in the protest for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule, Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta on Friday dismissed the portrayal of the Ladakh protest as a “revolution” and called it a “conspiracy”. He said there was a huge conspiracy behind the protests, and many of the conspirators were from outside.
“This can’t be called a revolution. This could be called a conspiracy. Ladakh is still peaceful, but we won’t let those who want to disrupt the atmosphere do so,” he said.
He apprised that 90 people who were injured in the September 24 violence will be discharged from the hospital soon. He assured that efforts are being made to restore peace as Section 163 has been imposed. He further apprised that in the wake of the protests, schools and colleges have been closed.
“So, I hope the situation will improve soon. We’re going to have a meeting today. This meeting will be with those involved in law and order, administration, and police or security forces,” he assured.
Terming the protests “unfortunate,” he said that Ladakh is a peaceful area and the administration cannot allow a mob-like situation in the Union Territory. “Some people attempted to burn CRPF and police vehicles,” he stated.
Referring to people, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling the agitation a “Gen Z protest,” he said, “We don’t want the future of our youth to be ruined. I believe the ongoing investigation will reveal many things. Many people are being questioned, and orders are being issued regarding the alleged firing by security forces. All those involved have been identified.”
Citing the mob attack on a political party office, the setting ablaze of the Leh Chief Executive Councillor’s office, and the torching of a police vehicle, the LG said these incidents were clear attempts to disturb Ladakh’s peaceful atmosphere. “It was only after that police action, including firing, was taken,” he added.
The Union Home Ministry said more than 30 police personnel were injured during the September 24 incident, in which police opened fire on protesters. “In self-defence, police had to resort to firing, in which, unfortunately, some casualties were reported,” the statement added.
It further said that barring a few incidents earlier in the day, the situation was brought under control by 4 p.m. The ministry also urged people not to circulate old or provocative videos on the media or social platforms.
Centre blames activist Sonam Wangchuk for instigating protests
The Centre on Wednesday alleged that the mob violence in Ladakh was fuelled by the “provocative statements” of activist Sonam Wangchuk and certain “politically motivated” individuals unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between the government and Ladakhi groups since 2023.
The Centre referred to dialogue between LAB, Kargil Democratic Alliance, through the High Powered Committee (HPC), subcommittees, and multiple informal interactions.
Protesters, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, are demanding special status for Ladakh, including constitutional safeguards and the creation of elected local bodies to protect the region’s tribal areas.
What is the dialogue between LAB, Kargil Democratic Alliance?
The Government stands committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards,” the statement said. It highlighted that continuous dialogue has been ongoing with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High Powered Committee (HPC), sub-committees, and multiple informal interactions.
The ministry pointed to “phenomenal results” achieved so far, including raising ST reservations in Ladakh from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, introducing a one-third women’s reservation in the councils, recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and initiating recruitment for 1,800 posts.
“However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under the HPC and have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process,” it added.
The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings lined up on September 25 and 26 with Ladakhi leaders.
Congress slams Centre over China threat, jobs crisis, and neglect of Ladakh’s demand for elected legislature
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday said the distress and anguish of the people of Ladakh after the recent violence must awaken the Government of India’s conscience to fully meet their legitimate demands, not just hold more talks.
Alleging locals’ jobs and land rights under threat, he said, local administration is controlled by the bureaucracy, and their demands for special protection under the Sixth Schedule and an elected legislature have been ignored.
He also stressed the growing uncertainty caused by China’s actions along the border and the government’s response.
Prohibitions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, continue to be imposed in Leh following the September 24 violence amid the demands for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march is to be carried out without prior written approval.
People of Ladakh have been demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution con