LEH, Sept 27 – Ladakh Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal on Saturday defended police action during Wednesday’s violent protests in Leh, saying security forces had no option but to open fire to prevent the entire town from being burned down.
Speaking to reporters, Jamwal described the violence as “unprecedented” in Ladakh’s recent history and alleged that “vested interests” were behind the agitation, holding climate activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for instigating unrest.
“Forces were compelled to open fire. Otherwise, the entire Leh would have been set on fire,” Jamwal said.
Background: Protest for Statehood Turns Deadly
On Wednesday, four people were killed and scores injured after protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule protections turned violent.
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Protesters torched a local BJP office
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Police and CRPF personnel were allegedly pelted with stones
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Security forces used tear gas, lathi charges, and eventually live rounds to disperse the crowd
The protests were part of a larger movement led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) demanding constitutional safeguards and greater political autonomy for Ladakh, which was made a Union Territory after Article 370 was revoked in 2019.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key figure in the agitation, had earlier ended his hunger strike after violence broke out, calling on youth to maintain peace.
Political Reactions
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Opposition parties have accused the administration of “excessive force”.
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Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the arrests of Wangchuk and others “unfortunate”, saying the Centre had backtracked on its promises to Ladakh.
The Union Home Ministry has announced a fresh round of talks on October 6 with LAB and KDA representatives.