Hundreds of protesting youth brought Ladakh's Leh to a standstill on Wednesday as they clashed with police and torched the BJP office and a police van, prompting security forces to fire teargas shells and resort to baton charge.

The massive protest and shutdown were held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the BJP-led Union Government on the extension of the Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh.

The protests turned violent as the youth clashed with police personnel and pelted stones at the policemen, who were deployed in strength in the area. Theprotesters also pelted stones at government offices and police vehicles.

Additional forces have been deployed to restore order, said officials.

The administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of

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