LEH: The Union Territory of Ladakh witnessed unprecedented violence on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and constitutional protections escalated into deadly clashes, marking the first time such intense unrest has gripped the Union Territory since its creation in 2019.
At least four civilians were killed and over 70 others injured when peaceful demonstrations turned violent in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
The violence erupted during a shutdown called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body, an independent organisation that has been spearheading the statehood movement.
What began as a peaceful protest quickly spiraled out of control when angry demonstrators began pelting stones at police officials and security forces. In scenes that shocked the normally peaceful region, protesters set fire to the local Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters and torched a police vehicle parked outside.
Chering Dorjey, the Chairman of the Leh Apex Body, confirmed the deaths of four civilians, stating that there was intense firing in the town which resulted in scores of injuries. The violence forced authorities to respond with teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowds, while hospitals in Leh reported receiving dozens of injured people throughout the day, with some cases requiring intensive care.
Videos circulating on social media show thick smoke rising from the building, with protesters chanting slogans against the Union Territory (UT) administration.
One video showed protestors climbing atop the BJP office in Leh and removing the party flag with crowds below cheering as the flag was removed.
The District Magistrate of Leh immediately imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning rallies, processions, and gatherings of five or more persons unless prior permission is obtained from authorities. The directive also prohibits the use of loudspeakers without approval and bars statements likely to disturb public tranquility. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
The violence overshadowed the conclusion of the two-day annual Ladakh Festival, which was called off midway due to what the administration described as "unavoidable circumstances." The administration expressed regret and apologized to local artists, cultural troupes, and tourists who had gathered for the event.
Meanwhile, the scheduled visit of Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to Kargil on September 25 was postponed due to the tense atmosphere.
The Catalyst for Violence
The immediate trigger for Wednesday's violence was the deteriorating health of hunger strike participants. Two women protesters, Sri Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, collapsed during demonstrations and had to be hospitalized, provoking unrest among the gathering. This incident occurred against the backdrop of a 35-day hunger strike that began on September 10, led by the Leh Apex Body.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast as part of the broader movement, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday. However, tension continued to mount as frustration grew over the lack of progress in talks with the central government.
Addressing his supporters after the violence erupted, Wangchuk urged for calm and restraint, saying, "I request the youth to stop arson and clashes. We are ending our fast, and I urge the administration to stop using tear gas. No hunger strike succeeds if lives are lost in violence."
The Leh Apex Body had announced on Monday that its leaders would not end their hunger strike until their demands were met. Co-chairman Chering Dorjey had warned in an online press conference that while their protest was peaceful, people were getting impatient and the situation might get out of their hands.
The Four Core Demands
The current agitation centres around four specific demands that have been at the heart of the Ladakh movement since the region became a Union Territory in 2019. First and foremost is the demand for full statehood for Ladakh, as the current Union Territory status has not fulfilled local aspirations for self-governance and adequate protections for the region's unique character.
The second major demand is for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This would grant the region greater autonomy similar to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. Under the Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils would manage land use, inheritance laws, and social customs, with legislative, executive, and financial powers including the ability to collect taxes and manage local resources. These councils can make laws that supersede those of the state, albeit with approval by the governor.
The third demand addresses the growing unemployment crisis in the region through the establishment of a separate public service commission for Ladakh. Recent government surveys reveal alarming unemployment rates, with 26.5 percent of graduates in Ladakh unemployed compared to the national average of 13.4 percent. This makes Ladakh the second-worst performing region in terms of graduate unemployment, after Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 33 percent.
The fourth demand seeks two parliamentary seats for Ladakh instead of the current single seat, aimed at giving the region greater representation and voice at the national level. This would enhance Ladakh's political influence in New Delhi and ensure better advocacy for regional interests.
Historical Context and Background
The roots of the current unrest go back to August 5, 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory, a move that was initially welcomed by many in Leh, including prominent activists like Sonam Wangchuk.
However, within a year, concerns began mounting over what residents described as a political vacuum under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor.
When Ladakh was part of Jammu and Kashmir, it enjoyed certain protections and autonomous arrangements. The transition to Union Territory status removed some of these safeguards, particularly rules governing land ownership by non-locals, which disappeared along with the abrogation of Article 370.
This change raised fears about the preservation of Ladakh's unique cultural identity, fragile ecology, and the rights of its predominantly tribal population.
The discontent gave rise to large-scale protests and hunger strikes, marking a significant shift in the region's political landscape. For the first time, political and religious groups from Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil joined hands under a unified platform through the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. This unprecedented unity between communities that had historically been divided demonstrated the depth of concern about Ladakh's future.
Unlike the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which was granted an assembly and has since elected its first government, Ladakh remains under more direct central control. This disparity in treatment has fueled resentment and strengthened calls for either statehood or enhanced autonomy through constitutional safeguards.
Government Response and Dialogue Attempts
In response to the growing agitation, the central government established a high-level committee to examine Ladakh's demands about two years ago. Multiple rounds of talks have been held between local representatives and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the Union Territory. However, these successive rounds of dialogue have failed to yield any breakthrough, intensifying local frustration.
The most recent significant meeting occurred in March when Ladakhi representatives met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. However, these talks collapsed soon after, with local leaders claiming that the Home Minister rejected their core demands.
According to a leader who attended the meeting, "During the meeting, the Home Minister told us that he had made a mistake by carving out Ladakh as a separate Union Territory. He also rejected our demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule."
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly agreed to discuss only two of the four demands: the establishment of a separate service commission and increasing parliamentary representation from one to two Lok Sabha seats.
The government has remained resistant to the statehood demand, arguing that Ladakh already received Union Territory status, which was something the region had sought even when it was part of Jammu and Kashmir state. Similarly, the Sixth Schedule demand has been met with reluctance due to its far-reaching implications for autonomy and governance.
When talks resumed in 2024, there was reportedly a proposal from the government for 95 percent reservations for Ladakhis in jobs, addressing the unemployment concerns to some extent. However, this has not satisfied the broader demands for political autonomy and constitutional protections.
The central government has scheduled the next round of talks for October 6, but protesters are demanding that this date be advanced, pointing to the prolonged hunger strikes and rising public anger. The protesters see the government's unilateral date-setting without consultation as "just dictation" at a time when "people are on hunger strike."
Sonam Wangchuk had emphasized before the violence that the BJP-led central government should fulfill its promise to include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule before the upcoming Hill Council polls. "If they fulfil their promise, Ladakh will vote for them. They will benefit the most, and vice versa," Wangchuk had stated, highlighting the electoral implications of the government's response.
The activist had also noted growing public impatience, saying that people were telling protest leaders "we are getting nothing through peaceful protest." This sentiment appears to have contributed to Wednesday's violent turn of events.
Regional Solidarity
The violence in Leh has resonated across Ladakh, with the Kargil Democratic Alliance and several trade bodies announcing a complete shutdown in Kargil for Thursday in solidarity with the Leh protests. Sajad Kargali, a member of the organizing committee in Kargil, stated that "the movement is gaining momentum. Tomorrow, Kargil will remain shut to show solidarity and send a strong message to New Delhi."
The unity between Leh and Kargil, representing Buddhist and Muslim communities respectively, remains a defining feature of this movement. This cross-community cooperation demonstrates that the demands transcend religious and ethnic lines, focusing instead on shared concerns about political representation, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation.
KDA leader Sajad Kargili responded to Wednesday's violence by writing on social media: "Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration and insecurity due to Government's failed UT experiment. The onus lies on the Government—resume dialogue, act sensibly and fulfill Ladakh's demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule without delay. Also I appeal people to remain peaceful and steadfast."
Taking to social media X, Sajjad Kargili posted on his handle.
Strategic Implications
Ladakh's strategic importance cannot be understated, as the region borders both China and Pakistan and has been the site of significant military tensions, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China. The current unrest occurs against this sensitive geopolitical backdrop, where maintaining stability is crucial for national security interests.
The region's cold desert climate and unique ecosystem make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and external pressures. The demand for Sixth Schedule protection is partly motivated by concerns about preserving this fragile environment from unregulated development and demographic changes that could alter the region's character.
The Union Territory's current governance structure under the Lieutenant Governor system has created what locals describe as a democratic deficit, where major decisions affecting their lives are made without adequate local input or representation. This has been a source of growing frustration, particularly among the educated youth who see limited opportunities for meaningful political participation.
The unemployment crisis in Ladakh has become a central driver of the current unrest. With 26.5 percent of graduates unemployed, the region faces one of the highest unemployment rates in India. The slow pace of government recruitment and limited private sector opportunities have particularly angered young people, who form a significant portion of the protest movement.
Meanwhile, the central government has approved significant infrastructure investments, including Rs 1,925 crore for intra-state transmission projects under the Prime Minister's Development Package. These projects, which include the 220 kV Phyang-Diskit transmission line and the 220 kV Drass-Padum line, are expected to bring reliable power to remote areas and support economic development.
However, locals argue that such development projects, while welcome, do not address their fundamental political and constitutional concerns. Many see the development projects with skepticism and deem them a ‘theft of their natural resources’, the benefits of which will not be enjoyed in the region, and as an ecological onslaught.
Reactions from Political Leaders
The chief minister Omar Abdullah has said, “Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when they promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly.”
Taking to social media X, Omar Abdullah posted his reaction after reports of protests turning violent in Leh poured in.
Former chief minister and Peoples’ Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said, “Leh, a region long known for its peaceful and measured protests, is now witnessing a disturbing shift toward violent demonstrations. People seem to have lost patience, feel betrayed, insecure, and let down by unfulfilled promises.”
She said, “It is imperative that the Government move beyond day-to-day crisis management and address the root causes of this discontent urgently and transparently.”
Taking to social media, she said in a post on X, “It’s time the Government of India undertakes a sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019. This video isn’t from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set police vehicles and a BJP office on fire.”
Sonam Wangchuk spearheading the agitation for implementation of Sixth Schedule and Statehood to Ladakh by sitting on hunger strike for the 14th day today expressed his anguish over the violence in Leh.
Taking to social media, Sonam Wangchuk said, “VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH. My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.”
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Ladakh
A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High Powered Committee (HPC) as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders.
The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. With this, process for recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced.
However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC has been trying to sabotage the dialogue process. The next meeting of High Powered Committee has been scheduled on 6th October while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September with the leaders from Ladakh.
The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.
On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob motivated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured. The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported.
Barring a few unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4PM.
It is clear that the mob was guided by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these developments, he called of his hunger strike.
The Government stands committed to the aspiration of people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards.
(This is a developing news story, has been updated with statement of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and more updates will be added when new inputs are available.)
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