A curfew was imposed in Leh, Ladakh, after a peaceful protest demanding statehood turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving nearly 100 others injured. Authorities tightened security across the region to prevent further unrest.

The clashes erupted during a shutdown call organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been demanding constitutional safeguards and statehood for Ladakh. Protesters reportedly set fire to a BJP office and damaged government property, forcing authorities to impose Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people.

Security forces launched a midnight crackdown, detaining 50 individuals believed to be involved in the violence. Officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, though tense.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta termed the violence a “conspiracy” and warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He urged local leaders and citizens to maintain peace and engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence.

The unrest comes ahead of crucial talks scheduled for October 6 between local representatives and the central government. The curfew will remain in effect until authorities are confident that peace has been fully restored in the region