New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) Following the transfer of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to the Jodhpur Central Jail amid heavy security, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed outrage over Wangchuk's arrest and called for a judicial probe into the tragic deaths of four innocent young men and the serious injuries sustained by many others.

In a statement on his official X account, Kharge remarked, "The Indian National Congress unequivocally denounces the deplorable mishandling of the Ladakh situation by the Union government and the subsequent arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under the oppressive National Security Act. The root of the crisis stems from the BJP's ongoing betrayal of the aspirations of the Ladakhi people."

Kharge further stated, "For over a year, there has been unrest, yet instead of listening patiently to the voices of the people calling for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the Narendra Modi government has resorted to violence."

He emphasized that the BJP had promised Sixth Schedule status for the region, lamenting, "Regrettably, that commitment has been completely forsaken."

The atmosphere in Leh remains charged following violent confrontations on September 24 during protests advocating for complete statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.

This unrest, which erupted after nearly two weeks of peaceful hunger strikes, resulted in the loss of four lives and numerous injuries.

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the protests, was taken into custody on Friday.

The Union government has accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence, although officials have yet to specify the charges against him.

The individuals who perished in the Leh violence have been identified as Tsewang Tharchin (46), Stanzin Namgyal (24), Jigmet Dorjay (25), and Rinchen Dadul (21).

Due to the unrest, schools and colleges have been ordered to remain closed until Saturday.

The protests, which began on September 10, centered around demands for statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh.

Wangchuk had persistently urged the Union government to address local grievances, cautioning that ignoring their demands could lead to further escalations. "If the government continues to disregard our requests, unfortunately, this may occur again," Wangchuk warned just before the violence unfolded.

As of now, law enforcement has arrested 60 individuals in relation to the clashes.

Authorities are on high alert, issuing warnings against any further disturbances as Leh continues to deal with the political and social tensions tied to the movement for statehood.