In Leh, around 5,000 to 6,000 protesters took to the streets on Wednesday, leading to violent clashes that resulted in arson and stone-pelting. Government buildings were damaged, a BJP office was attacked, and vehicles were set on fire as the protests over demands for statehood escalated. Security forces responded with tear gas and baton charges, resulting in injuries to 17 CRPF personnel and over 70 civilians.

Ladakh's Director General of Police, SD Singh Jamwal, defended the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, stating that his protest platform had incited violence. Jamwal mentioned that investigations are looking into a possible connection with Pakistan, citing Wangchuk's previous visits to the country and alleged interactions with officials there. He stated, "Planning and coordination was done beforehand," emphasizing that Wangchuk's actions were seen as attempts to derail ongoing discussions about statehood and the 6th Schedule status.

The DGP noted that the government is already in talks with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) regarding these demands. However, he accused Wangchuk of sabotaging the decision-making process, saying, "A so-called environmental activist and other such groups with a question mark on their credibility attempted to hijack this platform."

Jamwal also revealed that a Pakistan PIO linked to Wangchuk had been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. He stated, "We have a record of this. He had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him."

The unrest saw a significant number of injuries, with 32 people severely hurt on the first day alone. The DGP reported that one CRPF jawan suffered a serious spinal injury, and four policewomen were present when a building was set ablaze. He confirmed that firing was conducted in self-defense, resulting in four fatalities.

As of now, 44 individuals have been arrested, including Wangchuk, who has been charged under the National Security Act. Jamwal stated, "We did have Intelligence, only then was the deployment made... Police deployment and arrangement are always intelligence-based." The situation remains tense as authorities continue to manage the fallout from the protests.