Indian Police Arrest Ladakh Activist After Clashes That Killed 4 People

JAKARTA - Indian police arrested Ladakh activist, Sonam Wangchuk, on Friday, after protests led to clashes that killed four people.

Buildings and police vehicles were burned by an angry mob in Leh on Wednesday, as protesters moved away from the location where Wangchuk went on a 14-day hunger strike.

They clashed with the police, who opened fire. Authorities said police acted to defend themselves.

A police officer who did not wish to be named said Wangchuk was arrested before a press conference he would deliver.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs previously accused Wangchuk of breaking his fast after the violence, inciting people through his "provocative statement".

The ministry has also revoked the permits granted to its non-governmental organization, the Ladakh Student Education and Culture Movement, on charges of violations.

Curfews have been in place in some of these areas since clashes, resulting in dozens of people being injured, including police and security personnel.

Reported by Reuters on Friday, September 26, another official who also did not wish to be named said mobile internet services had been discontinued in Leh as a precaution.

Wangchuk previously denied accusations against him and said the violent protests were a reflection of frustration against the federal government.

The Buddha-Muslim Ladakh bag area lost its regional autonomy in 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration separated it from Jammu and kolay states and placed it under New Delhi's direct administration.

Protesters are also demanding job quotas for local residents and special status for the region, which will allow the formation of selected local agencies to protect ethnicity.

The federal government and Ladakh leaders have been discussing the charges since 2023, and are scheduled to meet again on October 6.