Violent Clashes Erupt in Leh as Ladakh Protests for Statehood and Sixth Schedule Inclusion Turn Deadly

Deadly Unrest Grips Leh Amidst Statehood Demands

Leh, Ladakh – Protests advocating for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution turned violent on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, leading to the deaths of four individuals and leaving over 60 people injured. The unrest saw demonstrators clashing with police, setting fire to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and vehicles, and pelting stones at government establishments.

The protests, which had been ongoing for weeks, intensified after two hunger strikers were hospitalized due to deteriorating health, prompting the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to call for a shutdown. Police reportedly used teargas, baton charges, and allegedly fired live rounds to control the situation, which also resulted in injuries to at least 20 to 30 police and CRPF personnel.

Government Blames Activist Sonam Wangchuk for Incitement

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) swiftly condemned the violence, directly attributing the escalation to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The MHA stated that Wangchuk's 'provocative statements' incited the mob, leading to attacks on a political party office and the government office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Leh. The government further alleged that Wangchuk 'misled the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.' It was also noted that Wangchuk broke his fast amidst the violence and left for his village 'without making serious efforts to control the situation.'

The MHA's statement also mentioned that 'politically motivated individuals' were attempting to sabotage ongoing dialogue processes between the Centre and regional groups like the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

Wangchuk Denies Incitement, Cites 'Organic Outburst'

In response to the government's accusations, Sonam Wangchuk described the day as 'one of the saddest days' of his life. He denied inciting violence, instead characterizing the unrest as an 'organic outburst' of pent-up anger among local youth. Wangchuk cited years of unfulfilled promises, joblessness, and the deteriorating health of fellow hunger strikers as key factors contributing to the escalation. He appealed for calm and reiterated his commitment to non-violence, stating, 'I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation.'

Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since September 10, has been a prominent voice in the movement for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion stem from concerns that Ladakh, which became a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, lacks adequate political representation and constitutional protections for its unique tribal identity and fragile ecosystem. A meeting between the Centre and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 6 to discuss these demands.

Curfew Imposed, Investigations Underway

Following the widespread violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh, banning gatherings of more than five people, and deployed additional security forces to prevent further unrest. Investigations into the incidents of arson and clashes are underway, with officials working to restore peace and order in the region.