Leh: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has blamed the BJP and its ideological parent RSS for the recent violence in Ladakh, where four young men were killed during protests last week. He voiced support for Ladakhis’ long-standing demand for protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants tribal areas special rights.
In a statement on social media, Gandhi said the people of Ladakh and their culture were under attack. “Ladakhis asked for a voice. The BJP responded by killing 4 young men and jailing Sonam Wangchuk. Stop the killing. Stop the violence. Stop the intimidation. Give Ladakh a voice. Give them the 6th Schedule,” he wrote.
The protests, largely peaceful since 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized and Ladakh made a Union Territory, turned violent on September 24. Security forces clashed with demonstrators during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body to press for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections.
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had condemned the violence, was arrested on Friday and sent to Jodhpur jail. He is among more than 50 people detained. Wangchuk’s wife alleged that security forces provoked the unrest by firing teargas shells at a peaceful crowd.
Officials said a curfew has remained in place in Leh for five days. Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta is expected to review the situation and consider easing restrictions. The Centre has accused Wangchuk of provoking unrest with his speeches, though his supporters deny the charge.
