Four people have died and more than 70 have been injured in a violent protest that erupted on Wednesday in Leh, the city in the region of Ladakh, a Union Territory governed by the Indian government. The demonstrators were demanding full statehood for Ladakh.
According to Indian media reports, protestors also set fire to the local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Leh.
The clashes began after young demonstrators pelted stones at the police.
The movement is being led by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been advocating for full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement accusing Wangchuk of inciting the crowd by referencing the recent Gen Z uprising in Nepal. The MHA also stated that the central government has been continuously engaged in a dialogue process.
Indian media reports indicate that during Wednesday's violent protest, the mob set fire to the BJP office, the Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) office, and several police vehicles.
More than 30 security personnel were injured during the incident. Police claim they were forced to open fire in self-defense after the situation spiraled out of control. The four deaths were a result of the gunshot wounds.
Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has imposed a curfew in the Leh district.
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