New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The BJP on Thursday expressed its disapproval of the violent protests in Leh, describing the situation as "deeply saddening." In contrast, the Congress party launched a fierce critique of the government, attributing the turmoil to what they termed "years of deceptive rhetoric and neglect."

The protests escalated into violence on Wednesday, resulting in four protesters dead and over 40 injured during confrontations with security forces.

During the unrest, mobs engaged in arson, setting vehicles on fire, targeting the BJP’s local office, partly damaging the Leh Hill Council office, and vandalizing various government properties.

In response to the violence, Jaiveer Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, commented to IANS, “What transpired in Leh is truly tragic. Who is accountable for the protest? Who orchestrated this unrest? An inquiry is underway, and those found culpable will face consequences. We are dedicated to upholding law and order in the nation.”

Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also condemned the violence, stating, “The occurrence there is exceedingly unfortunate. A comprehensive investigation is in progress to identify who incited it and the reasons behind it. This should never have taken place.”

On the other hand, the Congress targeted the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of disregarding the legitimate concerns of Ladakh residents and attempting to deflect attention by framing every protest as an “international conspiracy.”

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed remarked, “Whenever an issue arises and the BJP lacks a solution, they blame the Congress. The people of Leh had statehood previously, and now they are seeking statehood and special status. They have long demanded it, yet no one from the BJP is engaging with them. Instead, the government resorts to claims of international conspiracies.”

Drawing parallels with past events, she added, “We recall what Yogi Adityanath stated during the Hathras case—that it was an international conspiracy. However, when Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited the victim’s family, the CBI intervened and concluded that the case was indeed a caste-based crime, not a conspiracy.

“The same strategy is being employed here, blaming others to obscure their own shortcomings. The reality is that perhaps individuals from the BJP were involved. Consider the situation in Manipur just three days ago, where personnel from the Assam Rifles were killed. Rather than addressing the crisis, the government labels it a conspiracy. This is merely a pretext.”

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the government’s “divisive rhetoric,” asserting, “This is a direct outcome of the government misleading people with false promises and fabrications.”

Congress leader Udit Raj responded, stating, “The people of Ladakh have not been granted statehood. They have been peacefully protesting for months. The Centre must heed their demands. Sonam Wangchuk’s location has been raided, yet the government remains silent. Why?

“The protesters have made it clear that vast areas are under Chinese occupation. They are also advocating for separate Lok Sabha seats for Kargil and Leh. While we do not endorse the violence, the government must accept responsibility for fostering such an environment.”

Following the violence, a curfew remains in place throughout Leh town. Officials confirmed that a mob set a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Gypsy and several private vehicles ablaze, prompting security forces to resort to firing, tear gas, and baton charges to restore order.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has accused hunger strikers, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, of inciting the violence. Local councillor and Congress leader Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag has also been charged for allegedly delivering a provocative speech at a hunger strike venue on Tuesday.