Leh

Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Chief Executive Councillor and BJP leader Tashi Gyalson has condemned the "unfortunate" demise of four young people during the recent protests that turned violent, labelling it as the "darkest day in history".

"Innocent people who had come for a peaceful protest. We don't know what kind of mobilisation happened, but the violence started suddenly. Four people died there, and many were left injured. It is the darkest day in our history," Gyalson told ANI.

Flagging "excessive use of force" to handle the protestors, he demanded accountability from both sides - police and protestors.

"When violence broke out, there was a lot of strictness from the police, and the result was this: four young people lost their lives, and many others were injured. There should be accountability for all the violence. There should be accountability for the excessive use of force to control the violence," Gyalson said.

The LAHDC chairman said that the hunger strike initiated by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was "peaceful". He added that the Centre was holding talks promptly, but a narrative began circulating that the government wasn't serious, which led to "some people" making provocative statements.

"The ongoing hunger strike was quite peaceful initially, and it was for a larger demand. The people of Ladakh were a little concerned, but there was nothing to worry about, as the government was holding talks from time to time and working to find a solution to the issue. They also gave assurances that Ladakh would receive constitutional safeguards. Despite this, some narratives began circulating that the government isn't serious about talks and will not do anything regarding constitutional safeguards. Some people started making provocative statements," Gyalson said.

He informed that they have requested Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to launch an investigation into the incident of violence that occurred on September 24.

"However, we never anticipated it. On the 24th, such an incident occurred, which is unfortunate, and I strongly condemn it. We have requested the LG that there should be a thorough investigation into this. There should be transparency and accountability," Gyalson said.

Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remained in place in Leh on Saturday, following recent violence during protests demanding statehood for Ladakh.

According to the official order, assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march is to be carried out without prior written approval.

Security personnel have been deployed in the area.

On September 24, violence broke out in Leh during the protests, when the local BJP office was set on fire.

Four people died in the clashes. Two days later, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). He has been accused of "inciting violence".

Wangchuk's family has also confirmed his "arrest".

The climate activist has been advocating for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which concerns the administration of tribal areas and advocates for the creation of autonomous district councils with certain legislative and judicial powers.

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The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 currently applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.