Leh: At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent in Leh.

Chering Dorjey, Chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), confirmed the deaths , saying, “There was intense firing in the town, in which scores sustained injuries and four persons have died so far.”

The agitation, organized by the youth wing of the LAB, escalated after two participants in a hunger strike were shifted to hospital due to deteriorating health. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday. Tensions mounted when a group of youngsters began stone-pelting, prompting police action.

Authorities said prot

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