• At least four to five people killed during protests in Ladakh as violence escalates.
• Protesters demand statehood and job quotas while clashing with police.
• Curfew imposed in Leh; major unrest linked to unfulfilled government promises since 2019.

Protests in the Indian region of Ladakh turned deadly on Wednesday, with reports indicating that at least four to five people were killed and dozens injured as police clashed with demonstrators demanding statehood and job quotas for local residents. The protests were led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has advocated for the region to be granted special status to preserve its tribal rights and foster local governance, after losing its autonomy in 2019 when it was separated from Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, placing it under New Delhi's direct control. This information is supported by multiple sources, including Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.

The violence erupted as protestors clashed with police in the capital city of Leh, setting fire to the office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a police vehicle. Reports indicate that police responded by using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, resulting in further injuries among both officers and protesters. Local officials have mentioned that more than 50 people were injured, including approximately 30 police officers, during these confrontations, as reported by TRT Global and BBC.

In the aftermath, a curfew was imposed in Leh as authorities sought to regain control over the situation, with many streets blocked and police patrolling in riot gear. District Administrator Romil Singh Donk announced a ban on public gatherings, citing security concerns. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his hunger strike in light of the violence, stated that the frustration among youth over unfulfilled government promises regarding autonomy and statehood has reached a boiling point, igniting these protests, according to disclosures by Dawn and TRT Global.

Both local and federal governments have indicated they are open to discussions regarding these demands, with the next round of talks scheduled for October 6. However, discontent persists among the residents of Ladakh as they feel their calls for greater autonomy and statehood have been increasingly ignored. This sentiment reflects broader regional tensions and demographic issues, as emphasized by statements from politicians and local activists, including Wangchuk himself, who have articulated the need for governmental accountability to prevent further unrest. The complex socio-political landscape of Ladakh continues to challenge the effectiveness of New Delhi’s governance strategy since the region has become a focal point of civic unrest and calls for justice, as noted by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and BBC.