Ladakh DGP claims security forces were forced to open fire at protesters in self-defence

Ladakh Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal on Saturday claimed that security forces were compelled to open fire on protesters in Leh as failing to take the action could have resulted in the entire city being “burned to the ground”, PTI reported.

He also claimed that the violence that took place in the Union Territory on Wednesday was without precedent, adding that “vested interests” and activist Sonam Wangchuk were to be blamed for it.

Four persons were killed in police firing during protests on Wednesday demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Demonstrators clashed with and threw stones at the police, and set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party office and a police vehicle.

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution guarantees protection for land and nominal autonomy for citizens in designated tribal-dominated areas. In Ladakh, more than 97% of the population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes.

Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on Friday. The Union government has claimed that the violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by the activist.

Following the violence, a curfew was ordered in Leh by the district administration.

After Wangchuk’s arrest, internet services were suspended in Leh.

Dismissing allegations made by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance that security personnel fired indiscriminately at protesters, Jamwal on Saturday claimed that...

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