Ladakh erupts in violence: Four youth dead, 70 injured as protests over Statehood and Sixth Schedule turn deadly

    What began as peaceful protests for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into violent clashes in Leh, leaving four dead, dozens injured, the BJP office torched, and a curfew imposed

    By
    Chandra Maurya
    -
    What began as peaceful protests for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into violent clashes in Leh, leaving four dead, dozens injured, the BJP office torched, and a curfew imposed
    What began as peaceful protests for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into violent clashes in Leh, leaving four dead, dozens injured, the BJP office torched, and a curfew imposed

    Curfew in Leh after deadly clashes over Statehood, Sixth Schedule

    The serene cold desert of Ladakh descended into chaos on Wednesday as peaceful protests demanding statehood and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule spiraled into violent clashes, leaving at least four youth dead and 70 others injured.

    The unrest, sparked by a day-long shutdown called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), saw angry demonstrators torch the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and police vehicles, met with heavy tear gas shelling and baton charges by security forces struggling to restore order.

    The protests, rooted in growing frustration over the Central government’s delay in granting Ladakh statehood and extending the Sixth Schedule—which ensures tribal autonomy over land and governance—began peacefully in the morning.

    Hundreds of locals, including students, chanted slogans “Give us statehood!” and “Protect our land!”

    The mood shifted as a section of youth, enraged by years of perceived inaction since Ladakh’s designation as a Union Territory in 2019, pelted stones at the BJP office and set it ablaze, alongside three police vehicles and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

    Social media videos circulating on X captured the intensity: thick clouds of tear gas enveloped Leh’s narrow streets, with protesters scattering amid blaring sirens and shouts of defiance. “We’ve marched peacefully for years, but nothing changes,” said Tsering Dolma, a 22-year-old student, her face streaked with soot.

    “The youth are done waiting.” Police reports claim officers faced a “frenzied mob” attempting to set fire to personnel, prompting warning shots.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the four fatalities—three men and one woman, aged 19 to 26—resulted from police firing, though protesters alleged excessive force, including live ammunition, was used without warning. Among the injured, 40 civilians and 30 security personnel are receiving treatment, with 10 in critical condition at SNM Hospital.

    Amit Malviya, In-charge of the BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept., exposed the involvement of Congress behind inciting the violence.

    In a post on X, Amit Malviya said, “This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward. He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office and the Hill Council. Is this the kind of unrest Rahul Gandhi has been fantasising about”?

    On BJP leader Amit Malviya alleging involvement of Congress Councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag in violence targeted at Leh BJP office today, Activist Sonam Wangchuk said, “Congress doesn’t have such influence here that it can manage to get 5000 youth on the roads…A Congress councillor yesterday reached a hospital in anger because two people from his village were brought injured to the hospital…”

    Curfew imposed as tensions escalate

    By midday, with violence spiraling, Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, citing “imminent danger to human life and public peace.” The curfew bans gatherings of more than five people, unsanctioned processions, and provocative speeches. Additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were deployed, and the annual Ladakh Festival, set to begin tomorrow, was canceled.

    Reacting to the violent clashes in Leh, Former DGP Jammu and Kashmir Dr S P Vaid said, “The situation in Ladakh demands urgent government intervention. 4 confirmed dead, and dozens are injured in violent protests. The Union government must use all resources to investigate who instigated this violence and hold them accountable. Who is behind this Nepal-like GenZ protest in #Ladakh?

    Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta condemned the violence as “orchestrated by vested interests,” promising “strict action” against instigators while urging calm.

    The protests stem from a broader movement led by the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which has boycotted elections and staged hunger strikes since 2019. Key demands include:

    • Statehood: Elevating Ladakh to a full state with legislative powers.
    • Sixth Schedule protections: Safeguards for tribal land rights and local governance.
    • Separate Public Service Commission: To address youth unemployment.
    • Two Parliament seats: One each for Leh and Kargil.

    The shutdown was called after two elderly protesters from a 35-day hunger strike, ongoing since September 10, were hospitalized on Tuesday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the fast on its 15th day, ended his strike Wednesday evening, shaken by the violence. In an X post and virtual press conference, he said, “Nobody foresaw this tragedy. The youth’s anger exploded today—they ignored elders, even bullets. Peaceful protests failed, but violence only hurts our cause. I beg you, stop.” Wangchuk’s plea followed reports of “Gen Z frenzy,” with young protesters defying appeals from LAB leaders to disperse.

    Government response and political fallout

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing “politically motivated individuals” of inciting unrest to derail ongoing talks. The MHA highlighted concessions under a High-Powered Committee (HPC), including an 84% Scheduled Tribe reservation, one-third women’s quota in hill councils, and official status for Bhoti and Purgi languages. The next HPC meeting is slated for October 6, with informal talks scheduled for September 25-26. “References to ‘Arab Spring’ by Shri Wangchuk are provocative and misleading,” the MHA stated, pointing to his recent comments on youth-led movements.

    MHA 1

    MHA 2

    The violence has sparked a broader outcry, with Jammu and Kashmir leaders drawing parallels to their own grievances. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X: “Ladakh wasn’t even promised statehood, yet they celebrated UT status in 2019 and now feel betrayed. Imagine the disappointment in J&K, where statehood was promised but remains unfulfilled, despite our democratic, peaceful demands.”

    PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed this, sharing a video of the burning BJP office: “This isn’t Kashmir, but Ladakh’s heart, where peaceful protests have given way to violence. People have felt betrayed and insecure by unfulfilled promises since 2019. The government must address this urgently, beyond crisis management.”

    A region at a crossroads

    As Leh remains under curfew, the KDA announced a solidarity shutdown in Kargil for Thursday, signaling potential for further unrest. With LAHDC elections approaching—where the BJP secured a majority in 2020—the violence could reshape Ladakh’s political landscape.

    Civil society leaders, including Buddhist monks and Muslim clerics, have joined calls for peace, while the LAB urged the government to expedite talks. “Ladakh’s patience is exhausted,” said Tsering Namgyal, an LAB spokesperson. “Today’s tragedy must be a wake-up call.”The clashes mark a turning point for Ladakh, long known for its tranquil protests and cultural resilience. As families mourn the fallen and hospitals treat the wounded, the cold desert’s demand for dignity and autonomy burns hotter than ever. Whether dialogue can douse these flames remains uncertain, but for now, Leh’s streets lie quiet—under the weight of grief and an uneasy curfew.

    Note:
    1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
    2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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    Chandra Maurya
    Chandra Maurya
    Chandra Maurya
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