Restrictions have been placed in the remote Indian region of Ladakh on Thursday following the deaths of four protesters.

The two main districts in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil have seen a ban on groups of more than five people assembling and a curfew has also been put in place.

It comes after protesters clashed with police on Wednesday as they called for greater autonomy for the Himalayan territory from the Indian government.

Sajjad Kargili, a local leader, urged the government to "act with wisdom, resume dialogue at the earliest and address people's aspirations." 

What happened during the protest?

Protesters allegedly set fire to a police vehicle and the offices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In response, officers fired tear gas and used batons in attempts to disperse the crowds.

A statement from India's Ministry of Home Affairs claimed an "unruly mob" has attacked police, leaving more than 30 officers injured.

"In self-defence, police had to resort to firing, in which unfortunately some casualties are reported," the statement said.

Where is Ladakh?

The usually popular tourist region appeared deserted on Wednesday following the protests.

Around half of Ladakh's 300,000 residents are Muslim, with about 40% Buddhist. It is classed as a 'Union Territory,' meaning it elects lawmakers to India's parliament but is governed directly by New Delhi.

The high-altitude desert region also borders China and Pakistan. India's army therefore maintains a large presence in Ladakh.

Troops from India and China clashed there in 2020, killing at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.

Why were Ladakh residents protesting?

Ladakh was split from Indian-controlled Kashmir after New Delhi removed the disputed region's statehood and semi-autonomy in 2019.

Demands for political rights in Ladakh have intensified in recent years, with Wednesday's demonstrations having been organized in solidarity with prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Wangchuk has been on hunger strike after demanding either full federal statehood for Ladakh or constitutional protections for its tribal communities, land and fragile environment.

New Delhi has yet to fulfill its promise to include Ladakh in the "Sixth Schedule" of India's constitution, which allows people to make their own laws and policies.

Edited by: Zac Crellin