In Leh on Wednesday, what began as a 'peaceful shutdown' escalated into violent clashes, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 70 people, including 40 security personnel. Police have arrested 50 people related to the protests. The violence erupted amidst increasing demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards, including inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
Reports of arson have surfaced following the outbreak of violence. The BJP office was set on fire. As flames engulfed vehicles and the BJP office, political reactions began to flood in.
Leftist parties have placed full blame on Modi’s government for the unrest, while activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed for peace, ending his 15-day hunger strike.
Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party convenor, expressed his views on social media regarding this issue. He posted, 'The situation in Ladakh today is extremely concerning. Every true patriot should support the people of Ladakh.' He further stated that India did not gain independence from the British just to become enslaved by the BJP.
Kejriwal remarked that revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad sacrificed for democracy, to ensure that every Indian has the right to elect their own government. Yet, today, the BJP, indulging in power, turns states into union territories, stripping away rights provided by the Constitution.
Kejriwal inquired, 'What are the people of Ladakh asking for? They are merely seeking their voting rights, the right to elect their government. However, the BJP silences their voices, repeatedly denying them voting rights.
Kejriwal added, 'Democracy is the voice of the people, and when a government suppresses that voice, it is the people's duty to speak louder. To protect democracy, one cannot remain silent against this tyranny. Today's struggle of Ladakh could turn into the whole nation's fight tomorrow.'
Also Read: Silence Reigns in Leh Under Curfew, Internet Slowed, 50 Arrested, Police and CRPF Patrol the Streets
Left Accuses BJP...
Leftist parties, including CPI(M) and CPI(ML) Liberation, accused the BJP-led government of fostering the crisis through continual neglect and suppression of democratic demands. CPI(M) leader M A Baby alleged that the BJP betrayed the people of Leh and Tripura, stating that the violence was a direct result of the people's desperation.
However, he cautioned that attacking political party offices is not a solution. CPI(ML) Liberation issued a stern statement accusing the center of trampling federalism and disenfranchising Ladakh residents of their rights following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The party stated that the protests are a consequence of ignored constitutional guarantees and the dismantling of democratic structures in the area.
10:00 AM:
Peaceful protest begins
12:00 PM:
Clashes erupt, resulting in injuries
2:00 PM:
Arson reports as BJP office targeted
4:00 PM:
Political responses surge on social media
