Leh, Ladakh -A massive youth-led protest in Leh on Wednesday spiraled into violence as demonstrators clashed with police, torched vehicles, and set the BJP office on fire while demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Police responded with teargas and baton charges, bringing the city to a standstill.

The agitation, spearheaded by the youth wing of the ‘Leh Apex Body (LAB)’, erupted after two of the 15 associates of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk—on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10—were hospitalized Tuesday evening. Wangchuk has been pressing for full statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh, citing growing insecurity and loss of local rights.

Protesters attempted to storm the ‘Ladakh Autonomous Hill Deve

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