Curfew in Leh After Statehood Protest Turns Violent, LG Warns of Stern Action

• Four Dead, Dozens Injured in Leh Clashes; LG Calls It a Conspiracy to Destabilize Ladakh

Leh, Sept 24: A day after violence erupted during protests demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced the imposition of curfew across Leh district to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Expressing grief over the deaths of four civilians and injuries to more than 45 people, including 22 police personnel, the LG said the administration could not allow the situation to spiral further. He described the violence as part of a “deliberate conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing the region and warned that those responsible would face stern legal consequences.

Addressing the people of Ladakh, Gupta appealed for restraint, urging them not to fall prey to “vested interests” attempting to disturb the district’s peace and harmony. “Curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure no further loss of life. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. All necessary steps will be taken to prevent more casualties and to restore order,” he said.

The LG directed the police and district administration to launch an immediate probe to identify and punish those involved in orchestrating violence, arson, and damage to public property. “Violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The administration will act strictly against all those found guilty of disturbing the atmosphere of peace,” he asserted.

The shutdown was called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been spearheading the agitation for over five years. Protesters clashed with security personnel, torched a BJP office, a police vehicle, and several private cars, turning parts of Leh town into a flashpoint. The unrest has shaken the otherwise calm reputation of Ladakh’s political protests, raising concerns about deepening frustration over unfulfilled promises.

Gupta reassured citizens that the government remained committed to addressing their grievances through dialogue but underlined that public order and safety would remain the first priority. “This is a testing time for Ladakh. I appeal to everyone to maintain unity, not allow divisive forces to succeed, and join efforts to preserve the region’s social fabric,” he said, reiterating that strictest action would be taken against the perpetrators of violence.