Leh, September 27:
Ladakh’s Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, spoke in detail about the violent events that took place on September 24th. He explained that political demands for the Sixth Schedule and statehood have been ongoing since Ladakh became a Union Territory. The Leh Apex Body and the KDA have held extensive discussions with the government on this issue, which are still ongoing. However, attempts are being made to sabotage this process.
The DGP said that some environmental activists and dubious organizations are trying to misuse this platform to disrupt peace and law and order. He specifically named Sonam Wangchuk, whose actions have previously attempted to sabotage the process.
He stated that on September 24, a large mob (approximately 5,000-6,000 people) damaged government buildings and political offices, and pelted stones at police and security forces. CRPF personnel were brutalized, one of whom is hospitalized with a serious spinal injury. Four female police officers were also inside one of the buildings that caught fire. Later, another large mob arrived and attacked that building as well. Security forces opened fire in self-defense, killing four people.
The DGP stated that 32 people were seriously injured on the first day, 17 of whom were from the CRPF and 15 from the Ladakh Police. This number later increased to 70-80. Additionally, 70-80 civilians were injured, seven of whom are in critical condition. A young woman has been airlifted to Delhi for better treatment, and 6-7 people remain hospitalized in Ladakh.