Leh, Ladakh – September 25, 2025 – A peaceful agitation for Ladakh's constitutional rights spiraled into a day of deadly violence yesterday, leaving four people dead and scores injured. The unrest, which saw protestors torch vehicles and government buildings, has put the spotlight on the long-standing demands of the region's inhabitants and the simmering frustration with the Central government. The Centre has squarely blamed climate activist and protest leader Sonam Wangchuk for inciting the mob, a claim he vehemently denies.
The violence erupted during a shutdown organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to press for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The immediate trigger was the hospitalization of two hunger strikers, whose health deteriorated significantly after fasting for over 35 days. This sparked an "organic outburst," as described by Wangchuk, with youths taking to the streets, chanting slogans, and clashing with security forces.
Eyewitnesses report that the situation escalated rapidly as the crowd, which had gathered at the hunger strike venue, marched towards the BJP's local office. The office and a police vehicle were set ablaze, and stones were pelted at security personnel. In response, police resorted to lathi-charges and tear gas, and eventually, live firing, which resulted in the casualties. The Ladakh administration has since imposed prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of five or more people.
The Central government, in a statement, has held Sonam Wangchuk responsible for the violence, citing his "provocative statements" that allegedly incited the mob. The government's statement also mentioned Wangchuk's references to the "Arab Spring-style protest" and "Gen Z protests in Nepal" as a blueprint for the unrest. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also taken action against one of Wangchuk's organizations, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), by canceling its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificate. The ministry alleges that the NGO violated several FCRA provisions, including the misuse of foreign funds.
Wangchuk has denied the government's accusations, calling them a "scapegoat tactic" to divert attention from the core issues. He stated that the violence was a result of years of pent-up frustration among the youth over unemployment and unfulfilled promises. "To say it was instigated by me, or sometimes by Congress, is to find a scapegoat, rather than addressing the core of the problem, and this will lead us nowhere," Wangchuk told the media. He also announced the end of his hunger strike, appealing to the youth to stop the violence. "My message of a peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause," he wrote on X.
The political fallout has been swift. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has come out in support of Wangchuk and the protestors, urging the Centre to engage in dialogue. He dismissed the government's claims of external instigation, asserting that the violence is "the voice of the people." Abdullah warned that a governance vacuum in the sensitive border region could be exploited by adversaries like China. He also held the BJP accountable, stating, "They kept people busy with talks without substance. The youth feel let down."
The protests in Ladakh are rooted in a series of demands that have been largely ignored since the region was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019. The four key demands are: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule to protect its unique culture and fragile ecosystem, a separate Lok Sabha seat for Leh and Kargil, and a dedicated Public Service Commission to address the high rate of unemployment among local youth.
While the government claims to have been in an "active dialogue" with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through a High-Powered Committee, protestors argue that the talks have been inconclusive and have not yielded substantive results. The government pointed to concessions such as increased reservation for scheduled tribes, but the protestors believe these measures are not enough to safeguard their interests.
As the situation remains tense, with a heavy police presence in Leh, both sides are under pressure to find a swift resolution. The future of the region and its people now hangs in the balance, with the protests serving as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in balancing national security with local aspirations.
