Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Claims "Conspiracy" Behind Violent Statehood Protests That Left Four Dead

Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta.

New Delhi:

The violent protests for statehood in Ladakh, which claimed four lives 24 hours ago, were the result of a "conspiracy," Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta told NDTV on Thursday afternoon. While expressing grief over the incident and deaths, he did not specifically identify the alleged conspirators.

The Lt Governor made ominous references to 'comparisons' with recent unrest in Bangladesh, where student-led protests overthrew Sheikh Hasina's government last year, and Nepal, where 'Gen Z' demonstrations recently forced a government change.

"Protesting is a right in a democratic system. However, it must be conducted peacefully. For the past two days, there have been attempts to incite Ladakh's people... and the protest here was compared to those in Bangladesh and Nepal. This suggests a conspiracy."

"It becomes evident... somewhere 'foreign powers' are involved," he continued, "... many things will gradually become clear. Who is orchestrating this? Why was this particular day selected?"

The Lt Governor highlighted that Ladakhi people had initially welcomed Ladakh's formation as a Union Territory in 2019, after the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and divided the state into two UTs. "Everyone has the right to express their views, but Ladakh will not be permitted to become a place of violence."

Four fatalities have been confirmed in the Ladakh statehood protests so far.

"Ladakh has always been a peaceful, religious, and devout environment. Some individuals will come here and cause disruption. Regardless of one's prominence, action will be taken."

These remarks follow accusations against Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk for instigating the violence.

"Despite many leaders urging him to end the hunger strike, he persisted... and misguided people through provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and mentions of Gen Z protests in Nepal," stated the Home Ministry.

The Lt Governor implemented a curfew on Wednesday and held the protesters responsible for the violence, which included vandalism of a Bharatiya Janata Party office and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle being set ablaze. "Those who provoked the protests are accountable for the deaths."

He further claimed that a mob "attempted to burn CRPF personnel inside their vehicle."

According to government reports, 30 police and CRPF personnel sustained injuries during the unrest.

Local leaders, however, have alleged excessive force by security forces.

The violence has triggered political controversy, with the BJP accusing Congress Councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, who faces charges related to the clashes. Mr. Wangchuk, however, noted that Congress lacks the capability to mobilize 5,000 young Ladakhis for a protest.

Meanwhile, police have initiated a major crackdown, arresting 50 individuals for involvement in the violence. It remains unclear whether the Congress Councillor is among those detained.

Over the past three years, Ladakh has experienced growing discontent against direct federal administration.

Residents have demanded statehood and constitutional protections for their land, culture, and resources, with mounting concerns about what has been described as a 'political vacuum' under Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta's administration.

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