In response to escalating tensions, a curfew has been imposed in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, after violent protests erupted over demands for statehood. The clashes resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries among both protesters and police. The unrest was fueled by long-standing grievances regarding the region's loss of semi-autonomy in 2019, which has led to increased calls for greater local governance and job security. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the protests, has been accused by the government of inciting violence, a claim he refutes, stating that the protests were driven by widespread frustration among the youth over unemployment. The federal government maintains that it has engaged in dialogue with local leaders, but many residents feel their voices are not being heard. Following the violence, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and urged for calm, emphasizing the need for peaceful advocacy. The situation remains tense as further discussions between protesters and officials are scheduled.