"The Himalayan territory's main city, Leh, was hit by unrest on Wednesday by violent Gen Z-led protests as youth torched the regional office of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Police vehicles were also set alight as demonstrators dispersed from a site where Wangchuk had staged a 14-day hunger strike. Police responded with live fire, claiming they acted in self-defence. They also imposed a curfew in several districts and shut down mobile internet in Leh as tensions continued."
"Ladakh, home to both Buddhist and Muslim communities, has faced political uncertainty since 2019, when Modi's government stripped the region of autonomy by separating it from Jammu and Kashmir and placing it under federal control. Protesters are demanding statehood, constitutional protections for Indigenous communities, and reserved jobs for locals. Talks between Ladakhi leaders and the government have been continuing since last year, with the next round set for October 6."
Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Indian police after authorities accused him of fuelling violent demonstrations in Leh that killed four people and injured dozens. Youth-led protests spread in Leh, where demonstrators torched the regional BJP office and set police vehicles alight after dispersing from a site where Wangchuk had staged a 14-day hunger strike. Police used live fire, imposed curfews across several districts, and shut down mobile internet. Ladakh has faced political uncertainty since its 2019 loss of autonomy. Protesters demand statehood, constitutional protections for Indigenous communities, and reserved local jobs. Talks with New Delhi continue, with the next round scheduled for October 6.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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