Leh (Ladakh), Sep 24 (NVI) Leh, the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh, erupted into large scale violence and arson on Wednesday (September 24) over the demands for Statehood and certain Constitutional guarantees to Ladakhis, marking shocking and questionable developments in the region known for peace.
At least 7 people were reportedly killed and over 60, including 30 police and paramilitary personnel, were injured in the violence and clashes between agitators and securitymen who resorted to force in self defence.
Protesters resorted to stone-pelting and arson, setting ablaze the BJP office and some government buildings.
Incidentally, the violence erupted on the 14th day of ‘hunger strike’ by influential activist Sonam Wangchuk who is pressing for Statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th schedule of the Constitution for certain guarantees.
The developments in Ladakh are really heartwrenching as the region is known for peace and non-violent people but questions arise as to who really gained from such chaos and lawlessness.
It was at around 11.30 am that a mob instigated by the provocative speeches of Sonam Wangchuk left the venue of his hunger strike and attacked the office of a political party as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.
They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle.
The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured.
The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police haad to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported.
The situation was brought under control by 4PM.
“It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements,” said a statement by the Union Home Ministry.
“Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation,” it said.
“It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the Home Ministry statement said.
“The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages,” it said.
With this process for recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced, it added.
“However, certain politically-motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC and have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process,” the statement said.
The government said it was already engaged with the leaders of Ladakh and the next meeting of High-Powered Committee had been scheduled on 6th October while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September (tomorrow and day after) with the leaders from Ladakh.
The Home Ministry said the demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC.
“In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal,” the statement said.
According to sources, the government had already conveyed its readiness to have an informal dialogue tomorrow and day after, advancing the schedule from the earlier slated date of October 6.
So, it is being asked why the violence was instigated when the engagement with the government was already going on.
The Government has been expressing willingness to have sincere talks with High Powered Committee (HPC) of Ladakh.
Earlier, it had offered dates in last week of July but no positive response was received from HPC, sources said.
The government has asserted that protecting and providing abundant safeguards for land, employment, culture and all such sensitive issues has been always a priority and governemnt is keen to discuss the same with open mind.
The government also underlined that safeguarding interests of Ladakhis has been always a priority. This is reflected through various measures such as increasing reservation to 85 percent and such other decision.
The discussion should be with an open mind and held in a friendly manner and not as adversial relations.
People of Ladakh will be the focal point for all policy decisions.
It may be noted that Sonam Wangchuck, who started his hunger strike on September 10, had recently admired the Gen Z of Nepal after the neighbouring country was engulfed in widespread violence and protests against the goverenment, finally dislodging it.
Questions are being raised whether Sonam Wangchuk instigated the youth of Ladakh to divert attention from something.
Because, it is believed that the violence was not a natural outburs but a pre-scripted act and Ladakhi youth were exploited emotionally.
The blame doesn’t lie with them, but with those who used them as pawns.
The Congress Party had also started talking about stone pelting on Government offices, threatening action, pushing youth towards confrontation. (NVI)
