Dateline: Leh, Ladakh | September 26, 2025
Lead
At least four people were killed and over 70 others injured in Leh, Ladakh, on Thursday when protests demanding full statehood and constitutional safeguards escalated into violent clashes with police. Authorities imposed curfew, suspended internet services, and deployed additional security forces to restore order.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, the protests had been building for several weeks, with thousands of residents participating in rallies organized by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance — two major groups pressing for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule provides special rights for tribal and indigenous communities, especially concerning land and resources.
The situation turned violent after police attempted to disperse protesters who had gathered near Leh’s Polo Ground to march toward the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Eyewitnesses reported stone-pelting from sections of the crowd, which was met with baton charges and tear gas shelling by police. In the chaos, live rounds were allegedly fired, leading to fatalities.
The district administration later confirmed four deaths and said the injured were being treated at Leh district hospital. “We regret the loss of life but the crowd became uncontrollable and attempted to storm government offices,” a senior police officer told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Voices & Reactions
Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a leading figure in the Ladakh movement, condemned the violence. “Our demand has always been peaceful and democratic. The government has responded with bullets instead of dialogue,” Wangchuk said in a video message before his arrest late Thursday night.
Political leaders across party lines have reacted sharply. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused the central government of “neglecting Ladakh’s genuine aspirations,” while BJP leaders in the Union Territory urged protesters to “trust the process” and promised that “constructive talks” would continue.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance, meanwhile, announced a withdrawal from ongoing negotiations with the Centre, declaring that “the government has blood on its hands.”
Background & Context
Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in August 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. While the move was welcomed by some, many Ladakhis have since expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of an elected legislative assembly and constitutional protections for land, employment, and cultural rights.
For years, activists have demanded either full statehood or inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to ensure that Ladakh’s fragile ecology and indigenous communities are safeguarded. The latest protests mark the most violent phase of this agitation since 2019.
Adding to the tensions, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently cancelled the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) license of Wangchuk’s NGO, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), citing alleged financial irregularities — a move widely seen by locals as political retaliation.
Analysis & Impact
The deaths have further polarized the region and raised questions about the Centre’s approach to Ladakh. Analysts say the unrest could have national security implications given Ladakh’s strategic location bordering both China and Pakistan.
“Ladakh is not just a domestic issue but also a frontier region with sensitive borders. Alienating its people at a time of heightened tensions with China could backfire,” said defense analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) H.S. Panag.
The protests also highlight the challenges of balancing development and democratic representation in newly created Union Territories. Ladakh has seen major infrastructure and solar power investments in recent years, but residents argue that these projects often sideline local communities.
Conclusion
As Ladakh mourns its dead, the central government faces mounting pressure to hold a judicial inquiry and resume dialogue with community leaders. For now, Leh remains under curfew, and internet services are unlikely to be restored soon. Whether New Delhi engages meaningfully with the demand for statehood or continues with a security-first approach will determine the region’s political trajectory in the months ahead.
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