LEH, LADAKH — Tensions in Leh, Ladakh, turned violent on Wednesday, killing at least four people when a peaceful rally escalated into a riot. A police car was set on fire near the BJP office in Leh, and officials are now saying that there is a “sinister plot” behind the recent rise in violence.
Anonymous government officials informed HT that the violence was not a random event, but was “engineered deliberately.” This is happening even if there is still talk going on. The Narendra Modi government has already set up a High-Powered Committee to deal with the protesters’ demands. The next round of talks was set for October 6, and there were plans for informal talks to start as early as September 25–26.
Accusations Against Activist and Opposition
Government officials have questioned activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger fast as part of the initiative. Officials say Wangchuk “has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring-style protest in Ladakh,” and they say that his references to the recent “Gen-Z” riots in Nepal now “seem like a blueprint.” One official even said that Wangchuk utilized the campaign to “hide his own bad behavior.”
Wangchuk has disputed these claims and said in public that he wants the demonstration to stay peaceful. Some BJP leaders have also accused him of being involved in a political scheme by the Congress party, although he has denied these claims.
But those who are keeping an eye on things have said that Congress leaders made comments that “almost sounded like orders.” They think the young people who protested were “misled” and “caught up in a sinister plot for political and personal gain.”
The Blame Game in Politics
The violence has caused a political fight between the BJP and Congress. In a post on social media, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh spoke out against inciting violence and asked, “Who is responsible for the people who have died today?” Those people are the ones that started the demonstration. We can’t put up with things like that.
Wangchuk’s usage of the name “Gen-Z” to characterize the youthful protesters has caused a lot of debate. Amit Malviya, the chairman of the BJP’s IT Cell, wrote on X that a Congress leader was “rioting” and “instigating the mob” that set fire to the BJP office. He connected the violence to a previous tweet from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that declared, “Gen Z will save India’s Constitution.” He asked if this was the “unrest Rahul Gandhi has been dreaming about.” The Congress party hasn’t made an official statement yet about these claims.