Leh, Sept. 24 -- Violence erupted in Ladakh today as protests for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned deadly, leaving four people dead and at least 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. Government sources alleged that the unrest was deliberately engineered, accusing activist Sonam Wangchuk of pursuing personal ambitions and drawing parallels with Arab Spring-style protests. They claimed the youth were misled for political and personal gain, while Congress leaders' remarks further fuelled tensions.

The Centre pointed out that a high-powered committee meeting with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had already been scheduled for October 6, with proposals to advance it to late September. "W...