India, Sept. 24 -- Protests led by mostly young men turned violent in Leh, the capital of the union territory of Ladakh, on Wednesday, two days after leaders of the Leh Apex Body, an independent organisation that's been leading the protests, warned that public patience was wearing thin.

The demand is not merely about statehood, but extends to a wider set focused on preserving the unique character of the mostly tribal region. Buddhist and Muslim bodies, representing the two major communities in Ladakh UT, have been together in this movement.

The LAB had announced on Monday that its leaders won't end their hunger strike until their demands are met. A 35-day hunger strike was started by the leadership of the LAB on September 10.

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