Kargil shuts down in protest of Ladakh killings

Four people have been killed in Leh over demands of statehood

Photo: Reuters

The Kargil Democratic Alliance has called a complete shutdown in India’s Kargil.

The shutdown comes in response to the killing of four people in Leh during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh, reports the Indian Express on Thursday.

Security has been tightened in Kargil, with assemblies restricted and police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the district.

Wednesday’s protests in Leh turned violent when a group of demonstrators set fire to the local BJP office, prompting police to open fire. Over 50 people were injured alongside the four deaths, said Indian Express.

The demonstrations were linked to demands spearheaded by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike.

KDA leader Sajad Kargili called the shutdown a moral duty, urging residents to avoid violence.

“The loss of lives is unfortunate and sad and it will always remind people of Ladakh that they should not resort to violence,” he said.

Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed sorrow over the killings, calling them consequences of the 2019 decision that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and split it into two Union Territories, reports Indian Express.