On Wednesday, Leh in Ladakh witnessed one of its darkest days, as violent protests for statehood and constitutional rights shook the Himalayan region. Four people were killed and over 80 injured, including police officers, during clashes between protesters and the authorities. A curfew was imposed in Leh after deadly violence erupted, marking a turning point in Ladakh’s ongoing struggle for political autonomy.
What Sparked the Leh Ladakh Protests
The protests began as a peaceful movement led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and youth organizations, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Sixth Schedule would give Ladakh special protections and more autonomy over its land, resources, and local governance. Young people in the region have struggled with unemployment and felt their voices were ignored since Ladakh was made a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019.
On September 10, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike, joined by others, to press these demands. The situation escalated when two fellow hunger strikers’ health deteriorated and they were sent to hospital on Tuesday, September 23. This became a flashpoint for thousands of youths to come onto the streets the next day, turning frustration into anger and violence.
Events of September 24
By Wednesday morning, crowds gathered near Martyrs’ Ground in Leh. The Leh Apex Body (LAB), leading the movement, had called for a shutdown. Tensions quickly rose. Protesters torched the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, a police vehicle, and several private cars. Stones were thrown, and police responded with tear gas, baton charges, and live firing to control the surge of angry demonstrators.
Witnesses described scenes filled with flames and smoke. The violence lasted from around 11:30 am until 4 pm when police and government forces regained control.
Curfew and Security Response
Authorities imposed a strict curfew in Leh. Gatherings of five or more people were banned in the district. Security forces patrolled streets, and more than 50 people were detained for questioning. The government issued appeals asking people not to spread inflammatory content online.
The Union Home Ministry released a statement condemning the violence and emphasized that the situation had been brought under control. Ladakh’s Lieutenant-Governor Kavinder Gupta confirmed the deaths in a televised address, and officials expressed regret for the loss of lives.
Demands of the Protesters
The protesters have placed four core demands in front of the government:
- Full statehood for Ladakh, to allow for an elected government.
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which is meant to protect land, culture, and political representation of tribal populations.
- Separate Lok Sabha parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil, reflecting their distinct voices.
- Job reservations and a local Public Service Commission to address unemployment.
Ladakh’s population is over 90% Scheduled Tribes, which gives strong legal grounds for their demand for Sixth Schedule protections. Without these safeguards, activists fear Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, culture, and unique identity are under threat from unchecked development and migration.
History and Context
Ladakh’s protests have deep roots. When Article 370 was repealed in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory with its own legislature, but Ladakh was placed directly under central control, without elected representation. Many Ladakhis feel betrayed by this arrangement. Earlier promises by political parties, including the BJP, about securing special status for Ladakh have remained unfulfilled.
Past agitations in Ladakh, such as those for Union Territory status in 1989, saw three deaths. The recent violence brings back painful memories, underlining the region’s long struggle for self-governance.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Role and Message
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk became the face of the recent movement. His hunger strike, which lasted for 15 days, drew national attention to Ladakh’s issues. As violence spread, he ended his fast, calling on the youth to shun violence and return to peaceful protest. He expressed sadness that his peaceful methods had not brought results, but urged everyone to keep the agitation non-violent.
Wangchuk’s message is clear: violence hurts Ladakh’s image and damages the cause. Instead, he asked the government to listen to the region’s demands and resolve them through open dialogue.
Government Response
The Union government has promised to continue talks with Ladakh’s leaders, including members from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The next round of discussions is scheduled for October 6, 2025. Officials also stressed that constitutional safeguards are being discussed as part of ongoing negotiations.
Still, there is mistrust on the ground. Many protesters accuse the government of making only token gestures and delaying action. Some blame “politically motivated individuals” and “provocative statements” for fueling the unrest, but the underlying grievances remain the same: Ladakhis want genuine autonomy and local representation.
Impact on Daily Life
The violence and curfew left Leh town in shock. Schools and colleges remain closed. Local businesses have been shut, and roads are blocked by security forces. Many families mourn their lost loved ones, while others nurse injuries from the clashes. The fear of more unrest haunts the population.
Social media is filled with calls for peace and unity, alongside anger and sorrow over the government’s handling of the situation. Many Ladakhis feel their struggle is misunderstood by outsiders.
Future of the Movement
The next few weeks will be crucial for Ladakh. Activists and community organizations have resolved to keep pushing for their demands – but now want to avoid further violence. The true test will be if talks between the government and Ladakh’s leaders produce real answers.
Climate change, development pressures, and political uncertainty make Ladakh’s situation delicate. Protesters warn that unless their rights are protected, the unique culture and natural habitat of Ladakh may be lost.
National and International Reactions
The violence in Ladakh has attracted wide coverage in Indian media and sparked sympathy from various political groups, human rights activists, and environmentalists. Some commentators see Ladakh’s unrest as part of a wider trend of youth-led movements for autonomy and justice in India.
International agencies and news outlets have followed the story, especially as Ladakh borders China – making stability in the region important for strategic reasons. However, coverage remains focused on human rights and peaceful resolution.
Voices from the Ground
Many residents have spoken out, demanding not just political rights but also protection for Ladakh’s environment. With its rich biodiversity and cold desert climate, Ladakh faces threats from large-scale development and climate impacts.
Youth leaders say they are fighting not just for themselves but for future generations. Local elders remember earlier struggles and urge peace, cautioning that violence often brings more suffering.
Conclusion
The Leh Ladakh protests of September 24, 2025, have changed the region’s political landscape. Four lives lost and scores injured are a tragic price for political reform. But the movement continues, fueled by the spirit of Ladakh’s youth and leaders such as Sonam Wangchuk.
Ladakh’s people want their voices heard. They seek respect for their identity, livelihood, and environment. Only with honest dialogue and real action from the government can Ladakh find lasting peace and prosperity.
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