Protest in Leh Ladakh: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been leading protests for statehood and the Sixth Schedule, asks youth to ‘stop this nonsense’
At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured on Wednesday after protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution spiralled into violence in Leh.
Confirming the civilian deaths, Leh Apex Body (LAB) chairman Chering Dorjey told news agency Kashmir News Trust that “intense firing” had taken place in the town, leaving scores wounded.
The agitation, spearheaded by the LAB’s youth wing, escalated after two participants in an ongoing hunger strike were shifted to hospital with deteriorating health. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, had ended his protest on Tuesday, but anger mounted the next day as young demonstrators clashed with police.
Protesters hurled stones and later set ablaze the local BJP office and a police vehicle, prompting security forces to respond with teargas and baton charges. The Union Territory administration swiftly imposed a ban on gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and rushed additional paramilitary personnel to sensitive pockets of Leh.
Hospitals reported a steady inflow of injured protesters and policemen through the day, with several cases requiring intensive care. The violence also forced authorities to call off the annual two-day Ladakh Festival midway, drawing an apology to artists, cultural troupes and tourists.
Appealing for restraint, Wangchuk urged demonstrators to shun violence. “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 said.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Ladakh has repeatedly sought statehood and constitutional safeguards to protect its fragile ecology, unique culture and tribal demography. While the Centre carved out Ladakh as a separate Union Territory, locals argue that New Delhi has failed to address their core concerns.
The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—umbrella groups representing political, religious and social organisations—have jointly pressed these demands. Both are scheduled to meet the Centre on October 6 for a fresh round of talks, though protesters are demanding an earlier date, citing prolonged hunger strikes and rising public anger.
“The unrest reflects years of frustration at the lack of progress,” a political observer in Leh noted.
The deaths and large-scale injuries have heightened fears of instability in the region, with calls from community leaders urging both the administration and agitators to ensure that future protests remain peaceful.
