Leh, Sept 24 (JKNS): The recent unrest in Ladakh indicate that the violence that erupted in Leh was not merely a spontaneous protest but the result of a carefully orchestrated plan. The unrest, which coincided with ongoing discussions on the region’s demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule extension, appears to have been engineered to serve narrow political and personal interests.
Top sources familiar with the situation told news agency JKNS that the recent violence in Ladakh was not a spontaneous outburst but a premeditated act orchestrated to serve narrow political and personal interests.
Sources said the central government had already scheduled a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) to discuss demands of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on October 6, which was being considered for informal preponement on September 25-26. “Even with talks lined up and engagement active, violence was deliberately incited,” they said.
According to the sources, Sonam Wangchuck, whose role is being closely scrutinized, has been advocating an Arab Spring-style movement in Ladakh and admired Gen Z protests in Nepal.
“He appears to have used the youth as a shield to divert attention from financial irregularities and personal misdeeds,” the sources added.
They also highlighted the role of political elements, including Congress leaders, who allegedly encouraged confrontation, stone-pelting, and arson.
“This was not a natural uprising, it was a pre-scripted act designed to explode,” the sources said, stressing that the blame does not lie with the youth who were misled and exploited.
In a related comment, former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu, as per JKNS, cautioned the people of Ladakh against violence. “Violence is the fastest way to delegitimize a just movement. It will yield nothing but misery and discredit your aspirations. Peaceful struggle might be long, but it is the only path worth taking,” he said.
Meanwhile, LG Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, as per JKNS, said the curfew imposed across Leh is a precautionary measure to prevent further bloodshed.
“People have lost their lives here and I express my condolences to their families. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties,” he said, stressing that violence in any form will not be tolerated.
Gupta directed police and district administration to take strict action against those disturbing peace and damaging public property.
“This violence has been orchestrated under a conspiracy to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh,” he added.
Four persons were killed and over 45 others, including 22 police personnel, were injured during day-long clashes between protesters and security forces. A BJP office, a police vehicle, and several private cars were set ablaze amid the shutdown called by LAB, which has been demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule for the past five years.
LG appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace and harmony and not to be misled by individuals attempting to disrupt social order and public safety (JKNS)
