Leh police has arrested activist Sonam Wangchuk days after violence rocked Ladakh. The climate activist was reportedly scheduled to address a press conference, but was taken into custody by the police party led Ladakh DGP S D Singh Jamwal at 2.30 pm, the officials said.

The Union Territory witnessed mass violence leading to death of four people and multiple others getting injured as protesters clashed with the forces. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta called the current situation a ‘conspiracy,’ adding that those who disrupted the atmosphere would be held responsible.

“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,” Gupta told ANI.

“We had ninety injured the day before yesterday. Out of which, 19 are there, so hopefully they’ll be discharged as well. Some had minor injuries, some more serious. Keeping that in mind, efforts are being made to restore peace here. Section 163 has been imposed. As a precaution, schools and colleges have been closed. So, I hope the situation will improve soon,” he further added.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) earlier accused Sonam Wangchuk of instigating violence in Ladakh. The ministry also revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s organisation, Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing alleged violations of the law.

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Curfew continues in Leh for 3rd day, MHA holds meetings

The MHA has held a number of meetings since violence hit Ladakh leading to widespread clashes. A home ministry team held review meeting to assess the overall security situation in the UT. They said no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.

It all began on Wednesday evening during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to seeking to advance the talks with the Centre on demand for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. “The overall security situation remained peaceful across Ladakh.The restrictions are likely to be relaxed later in the day to allow people to buy essential commodities,” PTI quoted a police official as saying.

More than 50 persons were detained following the clashes, and strict restrictions were also imposed in other major towns, including Kargil. Officials said a top level meeting decided that a preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry will take place in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, subject to confirmation of date by the MHA.

“The meeting will be attended by three representatives each from the LAB and KDA (Kargil Democratic Alliance) besides Ladakh MP (Mohd Hanifa Jan),” the official added.

The MHA accused Wangchuk of instigating violence in the region though his inflammatory speeches. Ladakh Lt Guv said, while talking about one videos of the speeches, said, “The videos that have surfaced, an attempt was made to incite a peaceful atmosphere. Only after that, such action has been taken. We don’t want the future of our youth to be ruined. So, I believe that the ongoing investigation will reveal many things, many people are being questioned…Orders are being issued for that as well (regarding the alleged firing by security forces)…”

“All those involved have been identified. Any such incident will not be tolerated in the future. I also want to request the local people, our responsible people here, social organisations, religious organisations that you should try to create the real tradition of Ladakh, and the administration stands with them…” he added.

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Ladakh unrest: A result of long-pending demand

Ladakh protest did not happen in a day. There has been a years-old demand of a separate statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. A similar demand was witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

As of now, restrictions have been imposed in Leh restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The DM has prohibited an assembly of five or more persons in the district. Apart from this, procession and rallies have also been prohibited without prior written approval in Leh.