Leh, Sept 24: Tensions escalated in Leh on Wednesday as police resorted to teargas and baton charges after a group of protesting youths turned violent, pelting stones during a city-wide shutdown. The protest was called to press for advancing talks with the Centre on extending the Sixth Schedule and granting statehood to Ladakh.
The demonstration followed growing concerns over a 35-day hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Two participants were hospitalized after their health deteriorated, prompting fresh agitation and the shutdown call by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing.
A fresh round of discussions between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is scheduled for October 6. During the unrest, protestors also set a security vehicle outside the BJP office on fire. Additional security forces have been deployed to restore order.