NEW DELHI: A day after violent clashes in Ladakh, the Congress on Thursday blamed the BJP government for the crisis, calling it self-inflicted. The party also said Ladakh’s demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, aimed at safeguarding dignity and preserving identity, is both legitimate and justified.
The push for statehood in Ladakh turned violent on Wednesday, with arson and street clashes in Leh leaving four people dead and at least 80 injured, including 40 police personnel, officials reported.
Congress’ media and publicity chief Pawan Khera described the loss of life as tragic. “It is a stark reminder of the government’s broken promises. In 2019, Parliament was assured that measures affecting the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir would bring peace. Six years on, the situation has only worsened,” Khera said on X.
“Instead of restoring normalcy, the Centre’s short-sighted policies have dragged Jammu and Ladakh into a cycle of violence. This crisis is the BJP government’s own making — one it now seeks to ignore,” he added. Khera stressed that Ladakh’s call for Sixth Schedule protection is not only reasonable but deserves empathy and statesmanship, not neglect.
On Wednesday, groups of youths engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting BJP offices and the Hill Council, while setting vehicles on fire. Police and paramilitary forces deployed in large numbers used teargas to control the situation, officials said.
The Centre claimed the unrest was fueled by “provocative statements” from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and by politically motivated individuals dissatisfied with ongoing talks between the government and Ladakhi representatives.
In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said that, except for a few incidents early Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 pm. The ministry also urged the public not to circulate old or provocative videos on social and traditional media.
At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly enforced a curfew in Leh on Thursday.
