Statehood Demand Turns Ugly: BJP Office, CRPF Vehicle Torched in Leh

Jammu (The Uttam Hindu) : The ongoing protest in the Union Territory of Ladakh demanding full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution has turned violent. Clashes broke out between students and security forces in Leh on Wednesday. Angry protesters set fire to a BJP office and a CRPF vehicle.

Ladakh environmentalist and teacher Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 15 days. He is demanding the restoration of statehood and the protection of tribal rights. Thousands of people are protesting in Leh city for this demand. On Wednesday, the protest entered its 14th day. During the morning protest, two female protesters, Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, became ill and were taken to the hospital. Following this, the mob became enraged and pelted stones at the Leh Hill Council building. As the situation worsened, protesters attacked the BJP office, set it on fire, and damaged a CRPF vehicle. Police were also pelted with stones.

In view of the situation turning violent, the administration has tightened security around sensitive buildings and protest sites. A large number of security forces have been deployed to control the situation. Protesters say that the central government has set October 6 as the date for a decision on the issue, but the people of Ladakh are not willing to wait any longer. A protest leader said, "We want immediate action; Ladakh cannot wait any longer." Sajjad Kargali, a member of the movement committee in Kargil, said that Kargil will remain completely closed on Thursday. He said that this shutdown has been called to send a strong message to the central government and strengthen the movement.