Srinagar: Days after violent clashes in Leh left four people dead and dozens injured, the statehood agitation in Ladakh continues to roil the cold desert region.

While police have accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of instigating the mob and hinted at “foreign links,” voices from the ground and leaders of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) reject that version, insisting the anger was entirely homegrown.

Two young men who were part of last Wednesday’s hunger strike told Deccan Herald over phone that the agitation was meant to remain non-violent.

“We were there from eight in the morning. Around 1,000 to 1,500 people had assembled, raising slogans for Sixth Schedule protections. Our leaders, including the Ladakh Apex Body and Sonam Wangchuk, had told us not to step outside. It was supposed to

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