Leh clashes a conspiracy to disrupt Centre-Ladakh dialogue, alleges ex-J&K DGP SP Vaid

Jammu, September 25: Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid has claimed that the recent violence in Leh during activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike was not spontaneous but part of a “planned conspiracy” to derail ongoing talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre.

Vaid pointed to Wangchuk’s earlier comparisons of Ladakh’s struggle with global protests and said those responsible for inciting violence should face strict legal action under laws like the Public Safety Act. He questioned the timing of the clashes—just days before scheduled talks—suggesting political motives behind the unrest that left four dead and several injured.

He accused political groups, including Congress, of exploiting the situation and misleading Ladakh’s youth into violence, citing targeted attacks on the BJP office, Hill Council, and security vehicles. Vaid urged that grievances like unemployment should be addressed through elected representatives instead of violent means.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk began his fast on September 10 demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. It added that the Centre has been holding structured discussions with local bodies and achieved progress, including enhanced reservations, recognition of languages, and job recruitments. The ministry alleged that some politically motivated individuals were trying to sabotage this dialogue ahead of the next High-Powered Committee meeting on October 6.