Leh: At least four people lost their lives and more than 70 were injured on Wednesday after demonstrations demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule spiraled into violence.
Authorities clamped a curfew across Leh, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.
The unrest saw the local BJP office set ablaze and a vehicle torched. Police resorted to tear gas and baton charges to disperse stone-pelting crowds.
Following the clashes, the Union Territory administration imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning protests, rallies, or marches without prior written permission.
The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), is part of a wider campaign for statehood and constitutional safeguards. Ladakh, carved out of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, was granted Union Territory status. While the move was initially welcomed, demands for full-fledged statehood have since grown louder.
The latest shutdown call came after two hunger strikers—part of a 15-day protest led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk—were hospitalised. Wangchuk ended his fast on Tuesday, urging protesters to remain peaceful. However, tensions escalated when a group of youths pelted stones, prompting police action. A security vehicle parked near the BJP office was later torched. Additional forces have been deployed to prevent further violence.
Fresh talks between the government of India and representatives of Ladakh, including LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are scheduled for October 6. Protesters, however, are demanding that discussions be held earlier in light of deteriorating public sentiment.
Addressing supporters, Wangchuk urged restraint: “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.” He admitted his appeal for a peaceful approach had “failed.”
Supporters of statehood argue that safeguards are vital to protect Ladakh’s fragile environment, cultural identity, and tribal rights. Both LAB and KDA—representing diverse social and political groups—remain united in pressing the demand before the Centre.
The day-long unrest also forced the cancellation of the closing ceremony of the Ladakh Festival, disappointing artists, cultural groups, and tourists.
Reacting to the violence, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of betraying the people’s trust.
“Ladakh wasn’t even promised statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 and now feel betrayed. Imagine how we in J&K feel, where statehood was promised but still withheld despite our democratic, peaceful struggle,” Abdullah posted on X.
He further alleged that the BJP was punishing J&K’s electorate for not voting them to power: “It seems like statehood is being denied simply because BJP didn’t win. That is unfair to the people.”
