Four people were killed and over 80 security personnel injured in the September 24 Leh violence. DGP SD Singh Jamwal said Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under NSA was necessary.
As Leh continues to remain under curfew restrictions for the fourth consecutive day after large-scale violence on September 24, Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal on Saturday confirmed the death of four people and injuries to many others.
Addressing a press conference, Jamwal detailed the circumstances that led to the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), calling it a step necessary to restore peace.
He also said that Wangchuk and other activists attempted to derail ongoing talks between Ladakh groups and the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule demands, and that Wangchuk’s Pakistan links have emerged and are under probe.
LEH VIOLENCE: WHAT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 24
According to DGP Jamwal, on September 24, nearly 7,000 people pelted stones at buildings, police, and paramilitary forces.
“CRPF jawans were mercilessly beaten, and one is still critical. Three women personnel were inside a building when an attempt was made to burn it,” he noted.
Jamwal said the violence came even as talks were ongoing with the Centre over statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
“Some so-called activists, including Sonam Wangchuk and others, tried hard to sabotage and derail the talks. Statements and provocative speeches were made, and we have registered some FIRs,” the DGP said.
According to him, 80 personnel, including 17 CRPF and 15 Ladakh police personnel, were injured. Three women personnel narrowly escaped when rioters tried to set fire to the building they were in.
“No one anticipated this kind of violence. Ladakh police is part of you, but we will not spare anyone trying to destabilise peace,” he warned.
Jamwal said the incident was unprecedented in Ladakh’s history.
“CRPF jawans were mercilessly beaten, one is still critical. My vehicle was also attacked and I sustained minor injuries,” he said.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SONAM WANGCHUK AND HIS PAKISTAN LINKS
The DGP alleged that Sonam Wangchuk and other activists attempted to derail ongoing talks between Ladakh groups and the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.
“Wangchuk has a history of instigation,” he said, citing the Nepal agitation, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring.
“Violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, are also being checked,” Jamwal claimed.
He further said a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO), who was “reporting” Wangchuk, has been detained with incriminating material.
The DGP also said that Wangchuk’s alleged visits to Pakistan and possible foreign funding links have come to the fore and are under probe.
“Agencies are investigating these matters,” he added.
LEH VIOLENCE: HOW MANY ARRESTED, INJURED
The DGP confirmed that 44 people, including 5–6 “ringleaders”, have been arrested so far.
“We had prior intelligence, which is why deployments were made,” he said.
“In the right of self-defence, we can open fire, but it’s commendable how forces controlled the situation,” he said.
He also noted that three Nepali nationals were among those injured with bullet wounds during the clashes.
“Ladakh people are wonderful and honest. Ladakh will hold peace. Law and order will not remain in the character of Ladakhis,” he said.
LEH VIOLENCE AND THE ARREST OF SONAM WANGCHUK
Major clashes erupted in Leh on September 24 after some people pelted stones and torched police vehicles, as they demanded Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The BJP office in the district was also torched.
In the backdrop of the protest, strict restrictions under prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons were imposed in other major towns of the Union Territory, including Kargil.
The official said the patrolling and checking by police and paramilitary forces in the sensitive areas have been intensified, while raids are also underway to nab the absconding rioters, including a councillor who allegedly instigated the violence.
