Leh/Srinagar: The ongoing agitation in Ladakh demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Tuesday, with protests in Leh spiraling into clashes, arson, and casualties.
Thousands of demonstrators, led largely by youth, took to the streets pressing for full statehood and job protections. The protest, initially peaceful, escalated after stone-pelting broke out. A BJP office in Leh was vandalized and set ablaze, while a police van was torched outside the premises. Police resorted to teargas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, leading to further chaos.
Casualties and Damage
At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured in the clashes, according to officials. Several protesters were hospitalized, including some who had been participating in a hunger strike. Public property and government vehicles were damaged in the wave of arson, prompting security reinforcements in sensitive areas.
Sonam Wangchuk Calls Off Hunger Strike
Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who had been observing a symbolic hunger strike for the past 15 days as part of the statehood movement, ended his fast today. In a video message, Wangchuk appealed to protesters to maintain peace, warning that violence “damages our cause” and risks overshadowing Ladakh’s democratic demands.
“I urge the youth to refrain from further destruction. We want our voices to be heard, not drowned in violence,” Wangchuk said, while urging the Centre to expedite talks.
Administrative Response
The Union Territory administration has imposed prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five people in Leh. The closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2025 has also been cancelled as a precautionary measure.
Talks With Centre on October 6
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are spearheading the movement, are scheduled to hold talks with the Union Government on October 6 in New Delhi. However, amid the intensifying unrest, local leaders are demanding that the dialogue be advanced to address the crisis sooner.
Root of the Unrest
The agitation is rooted in demands for:
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Full statehood for Ladakh
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Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard tribal rights
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Greater employment opportunities for youth
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Local representation in governance
Since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019, many residents have voiced concerns over limited political representation, environmental neglect, and a lack of safeguards for land and jobs.
Outlook
With tempers running high and casualties mounting, the call for calm from Wangchuk and senior leaders may help ease immediate tensions. However, unless the Centre addresses the core demands, the unrest threatens to further destabilize the fragile Himalayan region.
