Ladakh violence: Sonam Wangchuk misled people by citing Arab Spring, Gen Z protests in Nepal, says Center

The government has accused activist Sonam Wangchuk of leading the Ladakh protests and inciting violence on Wednesday, September 24, through provocative speeches mentioning the Arab Spring and Generation Z protests in Nepal.

Wangchuk went on a hunger strike on September 10 and demanded statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

However, he did not end his strike despite urgings from many leaders to do so, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. “He continued his hunger strike, misleading people by provocatively mentioning Arab Spring-style protests and referring to Generation Z protests in Nepal,” the text added.

Violent protests broke out in Leh, Ladakh on September 24, during which the BJP office was set on fire.

“Moreover, in the midst of these violent events, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation,” the statement added.

Curfew imposed, LG alleges conspiracy

A curfew was imposed in Leh, Ladakh, as protests turned violent. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced the curfew to prevent more violence in the Union Territory, while alleging a conspiracy behind the clashes.

“The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure. People have lost their lives here and I express my condolences to their families. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties,” Gupta said, according to news agency PTI.

“The violence was orchestrated as part of a conspiracy to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh,” he added, further clarifying that no form of violence will be tolerated.

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BJP office burnt

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh was set ablaze by protesters on September 24 after clashes broke out between protesters and police.

Police fired tear gas shells and used batons to control the crowd. Stone throwing by young people was also reported.

At least four people died while 45 others were injured, including 22 police officers, according to PTI.

What were the protests about?

The protesters were demanding statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The protests were led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which turned violent when protesters claimed the Center had not recognized their demands.

The LAB group had called for protests on September 24 after two of its members, who had been on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, fell ill and were taken to hospital on the evening of Tuesday, September 23, according to News18.

Congress aide indicted

Congress councilor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag was also charged over the violence, according to NDTV.

The BJP blamed the violence on the Congress party and shared photos of Congressman Tsepag allegedly being part of the crowd.