Leh has been placed under an internet shutdown following the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday, as tensions continue to worsen in Ladakh.
The move comes two days after violent clashes broke out between police and demonstrators demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for the Union Territory.
The clashes on Wednesday left four people dead and more than 80 injured. Protesters also set ablaze the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.
Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike to press for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards, was arrested ahead of a planned press conference on Friday.
His detention has sparked widespread anger among locals, prompting authorities to suspend internet services in Leh to curb the spread of unrest.
With internet services cut off and heavy police deployment in place, Leh remains on edge as Ladakh’s demand for constitutional recognition gains fresh momentum amid fears of further unrest.
