Police had to resort to firing to bring the situation under control after the protesters, who have launched an agitation for statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule, indulged in widespread violence, attacking a BJP office and several vehicles, officials said
The protesters claimed that the four people were killed in police firing. Pic/PTI
Four dead and around 30 people were injured in intense clashes between protesters and security personnel during the Leh Apex Body (LAB) sponsored shutdown in Leh town of Ladakh on Wednesday, officials said, reported the PTI.
According to the PTI, police had to resort to firing to bring the situation under control after the protesters, who have launched an agitation for statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule, indulged in widespread violence, attacking a BJP office and several vehicles, they said.
The protesters claimed that the four people were killed in police firing.
The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing called for the protest after two of the 15 people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 in support of the demand for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule, were shifted to a hospital after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening.
As the clashes intensified, Wanchuk also put out a video message on his X handle appealing to the youth to remain peaceful and stop violence.
"What happened today is very sad. It is being said 3-4 youths have been killed," said Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on violence in Leh.
Wangchuk on Wednesday called off his 15-day hunger strike.
Meanwhile, the authorities on Wednesday promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Leh district of Ladakh, banning assembly of five or more persons following the protest demanding statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule.
The Leh Apex Body-led movement became violent, setting on fire the BJP office and several vehicles by hundreds of people who took to the streets. Flames and dark smoke clouds could be seen from afar amid a complete shutdown in the Ladakh capital.
Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk issued the order and said, "As notice cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex parte. Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 223 of BNS," according to the PTI.
Under section 163 of the BNSS, he said, no procession, rally or march shall be carried out without the prior written approval of the competent authority.
"No one shall use a vehicle-mounted or other loudspeaker without prior approval from the competent authority. No one shall make any statements which have the potential to disturb public tranquility and which may lead to law and order problems in the district," Donk said, adding assembly of five or more persons shall remain prohibited within the jurisdiction of the entire district, as per the PTI.
Citing reasons for the implementation of the order, the district magistrate said it has been brought to his notice that there is an apprehension of disturbances to public peace and tranquility, danger to human life and a possibility of law and order problems.
"I am satisfied that immediate prevention and remedial measures are necessary to maintain public order and tranquility," he said, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
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