Violence erupts in Leh as protests demanding Ladakh statehood turn deadly, leaving four dead and dozens injured. Police fired in self-defence after protesters attacked the BJP office and torched vehicles. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike, called it off and urged calm, denying any role in the unrest. The federal government blamed “politically motivated individuals” for inciting violence, while local leaders cite delays in dialogue and rising unemployment as triggers. Curfew remains in place, and talks between authorities and protest leaders are scheduled for October 6 to address demands for greater autonomy and statehood.