The local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched on Tuesday as protests held by demonstrators demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. Police resorted to the use of teargas and baton charges to contain violence.

The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), was part of the ongoing campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The call for shutdown came after two of 15 people on a hunger strike, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, since September 10 were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health.

Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast on Tuesday while urging supporters to avoid violence. - Ends

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