Leh
The ongoing unrest in Leh over the statehood and Sixth Schedule demand has taken a violent turn, with police confirming the arrest of two Nepalese nationals for allegedly attacking security personnel during protests. Both the accused sustained gunshot injuries in the clashes that erupted earlier this week.
Arrest and charges
Officials said the two men were taken into custody after they were found involved in stone-pelting and attacking police officers deployed to control the agitating mob. They were admitted to hospital with bullet wounds but are reported to be out of danger.
According to the administration, the arrests highlight that not only locals but outsiders were also actively participating in the protests, raising concerns over external involvement in the agitation.
Protests turn violent
The agitation in Leh, which began as a peaceful movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, escalated into violent clashes. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze, vandalised property, and attacked security forces with stones and sticks.
Police responded with tear gas shells and firing, which led to multiple injuries on both sides. Four people were reported dead earlier in the week, further intensifying tensions in the region.
Government response
Authorities have imposed strict security restrictions, including curfew-like measures, in parts of Leh and Kargil to prevent further escalation. Internet services have been suspended to curb the spread of rumours.
The Ladakh administration has appealed for calm, urging protestors to engage in dialogue instead of resorting to violence. Additional forces have been deployed, and senior officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Broader implications
The incident comes at a time when Ladakh is witnessing its most significant unrest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which split the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and made Ladakh a Union Territory. Protesters have long demanded constitutional safeguards for land, culture, and jobs.
The involvement of Nepalese nationals in the protests has sparked questions over the influence of external elements and the possibility of the agitation being exploited by groups with vested interests. Security agencies are now probing deeper into these links.
Conclusion
With tensions running high in Leh, the arrest of two Nepalese nationals adds another layer of complexity to the volatile situation. While the government has assured security and appealed for peace, the violent turn of the agitation underscores the urgency of addressing Ladakh’s political and social demands through constructive engagement.