Violent Clashes in Leh Leave Four Dead, Over 70 Injured; Section 163 of BNS Imposed

Four people lost their lives and more than 70 sustained injuries during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Leh town on Wednesday. In response, District Magistrate (DM) Romil Singh Donk imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, to maintain law and order.

According to Chering Dorjay, Chairman of the Leh Hill Development Council, the violence erupted after protests in support of hunger strikers turned aggressive, leading to widespread clashes.

Citing serious concerns over public safety, potential loss of life, and threats to law and order, the DM issued prohibitory orders with immediate effect. These include a ban on processions, rallies, and public gatherings of five or more people without prior written approval. The use of loudspeakers and inflammatory public statements has also been restricted.

The DM clarified that the order is being issued ex-parte as individual notice delivery isn't feasible and will remain in force until further instructions.

Protest Turns Violent

The unrest began as a peaceful demonstration in support of hunger strikers—part of a larger movement spearheaded by the Apex Body demanding implementation of the Sixth Schedule, full statehood for Ladakh, and protection of the region’s fragile environment.

However, tensions escalated when a section of protesters attempted to storm the Leh Hill Council Secretariat. Security forces responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Protesters pelted stones, torched vehicles—including one belonging to the CRPF—and vandalized the BJP office. An attempt to set the Secretariat building on fire was also reported, though fire officials managed to prevent major damage.

As violence intensified, security personnel opened fire to control the mob. Over 36 security personnel were injured, some of them critically.

Hunger Strike Triggers Public Outrage

The protest was initially sparked by the deteriorating health of two hunger strikers—72-year-old Chhering Angchok and 60-year-old Doma—who had been fasting for nearly two weeks. Their condition drew widespread public sympathy and led to a surge in protest participation across the region.

Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been part of the hunger strike, ended his fast in light of the violence. He urged people to pursue their demands through peaceful and non-violent means, emphasizing that aggression would only worsen the situation.

Leh Festival Cancelled

The escalating violence also forced the cancellation of the concluding events of the two-day Leh Festival, a major cultural showcase intended to promote Ladakhi heritage and tourism. The final ceremony, which was to be attended by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, was called off due to the prevailing law and order situation.

Political Reactions

Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of being involved in the violence, sharing images online allegedly showing him instigating the mob. Malviya questioned whether this unrest was the kind of outcome the Congress leadership had anticipated.

J&K’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also weighed in, stating that while Ladakh was never promised statehood, the people still feel betrayed. “Now imagine how we in J&K feel, where the promise of restored statehood remains unfulfilled despite our peaceful and democratic approach,” he said on social media platform X.

Tightened Security in Leh

Authorities have deployed additional security forces across Leh to prevent further flare-ups. The situation remains tense but under control, as law enforcement continues to enforce the restrictions laid out under Section 163 of the BNS Act.