New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- The Central government has issued its first statement on the Ladakh clashes that has killed four persons and injured 30 others, blaming activist Sonam Wangchuk's "provocative" speeches for the violence that also saw a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh being set on fire.

In their statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, "On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his [Sonam Wangchuk's] provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh."

The Centre also accused Sonam Wangchuk of breaking his fast, leaving for his village "without making effort" to calm the situation down.

"It is clear that the mob ...