Overview

• Protests over constitutional safeguards turned violent in Leh on September 24, leaving four dead and about 80 injured, with arson reported and local leaders seeking an independent inquiry into alleged excessive force.
• Police arrested climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 26 after a prolonged hunger strike, and the Home Ministry has alleged he instigated the violence.
• Leh has remained under curfew for days as authorities enforce heightened security and residents brace for further developments.
• A preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry has been reset to September 29, with formal negotiations slated for October 6 with the Union Minister of State for Home.
• Minutes from an NCST meeting on September 11, 2019, show the Commission recommended Sixth Schedule inclusion for Ladakh after Home, Tribal Affairs and Law & Justice ministries indicated no objection, even as the Centre maintains the framework was designed for the Northeast and raises constitutional and security concerns.