Leh: At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent in Leh.
Chering Dorjey, Chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), confirmed the deaths , saying, “There was intense firing in the town, in which scores sustained injuries and four persons have died so far.”
The agitation, organized by the youth wing of the LAB, escalated after two participants in a hunger strike were shifted to hospital due to deteriorating health. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday. Tensions mounted when a group of youngsters began stone-pelting, prompting police action.
Authorities said protesters later resorted to arson, setting ablaze the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and torching a security vehicle. Police responded with teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowds. In response, the Union Territory administration imposed a ban on protests and gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
Hospitals in Leh reported receiving dozens of injured people throughout the day, some requiring intensive care.
The violence also overshadowed the two-day annual Ladakh Festival, which was called off midway. The administration expressed regret, apologising to local artists, cultural troupes, and tourists.
Addressing his supporters, Sonam Wangchuk urged calm. “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.
The demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards have been a longstanding issue since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Though Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory under direct control of New Delhi, locals argue the region needs special protections to safeguard its fragile ecology, cultural identity, and tribal population.
The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing political, religious, and social groups, are scheduled to meet the central government in New Delhi on October 6. Protesters are pressing for the meeting to be advanced, citing prolonged hunger strikes and rising public anger.
A political commentator in Leh said, “For years, the people of Ladakh have raised these demands peacefully. The recent unrest reflects frustration at the lack of progress.”
The day’s violence has heightened concerns over law and order in the Union Territory. Local voices are urging both the administration and protesters to ensure future demonstrations remain peaceful. With the LAB and KDA firm on their stand, the upcoming talks with the Centre on October 6 are now seen as a critical test of New Delhi’s willingness to engage meaningfully with Ladakh’s demands.
