​ Security restrictions have been imposed in two key districts of Indian-administered Ladakh on Thursday after a day of violent clashes between police and hundreds of protesters. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of four people and left dozens injured. Protesters were demanding greater autonomy for the region.

​According to a report by the international news agency Deutsche Welle, Indian authorities have banned gatherings of more than five people in the districts of Leh and Kargil. On Thursday, police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets of the city and all shops and businesses were closed due to the strict security situation.

​The violence reportedly began on Wednesday when police prevented demonstrators from marching in Leh. According to police, angry protesters set fire to police vehicles, the local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party and some government buildings.

​Police and local sources say at least four protesters were killed and many more were injured after police fired on the crowd, used tear gas, and wielded batons to disperse the demonstrators.

​Situated between India, Pakistan, and China, Ladakh was separated from Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019. This division occurred when New Delhi revoked the semi-autonomous status of the disputed region. While voices of dissent against New Delhi’s actions have spread in Kashmir, demands for political rights have gained momentum in Ladakh in recent years.

​In a statement on Wednesday night, India’s Home Ministry blamed the violence on the “inciting speeches” of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September. Following the clashes, Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike.