New Delhi: Leh witnessed a surge of violence this week as protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh spiraled out of control, leaving four people dead and more than 80 injured.

The unrest began with a hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been pressing for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to secure land, job, and resource rights for locals. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, turned violent as crowds clashed with police, set vehicles ablaze, and vandalized public property, including the local BJP office and a police van. Security forces responded with tear gas and live fire to disperse the mob.

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhi

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