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Ladakh Statehood Demand: Clashes During Protest Leave Four Dead

Ladakh faced unprecedented violence on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in four deaths and over 80 injuries, including police personnel.

  • DY365

DY365

Ladakh Statehood Demand: Clashes During Protest Leave Four Dead

Ladakh faced unprecedented violence on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in four deaths and over 80 injuries, including police personnel.

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A curfew was enforced in Leh, vehicles were set ablaze, and security forces resorted to teargas and live ammunition to control the unrest. Below are ten key points outlining the causes and consequences of the turmoil:

Trigger: Hunger Strike and Hospitalisations

The unrest was sparked on Tuesday evening when two hunger strikers, Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60), were hospitalised in critical condition after a 35-day fast for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Their deteriorating health prompted widespread outrage, leading to a shutdown in Leh by Wednesday morning. Crowds gathered at Martyrs’ Ground, and the situation quickly turned violent. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been fasting since September 10, acknowledged that the hospitalisations ignited the clashes, derailing his non-violent campaign.

Core Demands Driving the Protests

The agitation centres on four key demands: granting statehood to Ladakh, implementing the Sixth Schedule for tribal autonomy, allocating separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and ensuring employment reservations. Protesters argue that without Sixth Schedule protections, Ladakh’s ecosystem, land rights, and cultural heritage are at risk. The Sixth Schedule, applied in northeastern tribal areas, grants autonomy through elected councils. Activists claim the BJP failed to honour its 2020 commitment to secure this status for Ladakh.

Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike

Sonam Wangchuk halted his hunger strike as violence erupted, calling it the “darkest day for Ladakh.” He urged the youth to cease violent actions, stating, “Violence undermines our cause.” While expressing disappointment over the failure of his peaceful protest, Wangchuk reaffirmed his commitment to non-violence and called on the government to address the region’s demands.

Fatal Clashes Claim Lives

Authorities confirmed that four protesters, aged 19, 20, 23, and 46, were killed during the clashes, with over 80 others, including 40 police personnel, injured. Security forces initially used teargas and batons, but resorted to live rounds as crowds pelted stones and attacked government and BJP offices. Some protesters reportedly suffered severe injuries, including limb loss. These deaths mark the deadliest unrest in Ladakh since its designation as a Union Territory in 2019.

Widespread Arson and Vandalism

As protests intensified, groups of youths set fire to vehicles and vandalised public property, including the BJP headquarters and the Hill Council office in Leh. A police vehicle was also torched, with flames and smoke engulfing parts of the town. Security forces used teargas and gunfire to disperse the crowds, but the violence spread rapidly, prompting authorities to impose a curfew to curb further destruction.

Government Points to ‘Provocative’ Elements

The Union Home Ministry attributed the unrest to “politically motivated individuals” and “provocative statements,” urging citizens to avoid sharing misleading content online. The ministry reiterated its commitment to Ladakh’s aspirations through constitutional safeguards and noted ongoing discussions with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) via a High-Powered Committee, with the next meeting scheduled for October 6.

Lt Governor Alleges Conspiracy

Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta described the violence as “heart-wrenching” and a deliberate attempt to disrupt Ladakh’s peace. “This was not a spontaneous outburst,” he said, alleging external influences akin to uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh. Gupta vowed strict action against those responsible while urging residents to restore calm, affirming the administration’s support for legitimate grievances.

Political Tensions Escalate

The clashes sparked a political blame game. The BJP accused the Congress of orchestrating the unrest, with spokesperson Sambit Patra labelling it a “Congress-led Gen Z revolution.” In response, the Congress criticised the Modi government for mishandling the situation and delaying talks. Congress leader Manish Tewari called for a detailed investigation into the violence, while Omar Abdullah linked the unrest to broader dissatisfaction over statehood denial in Jammu and Kashmir.

Stalled Talks Fuel Frustration

Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, demands for constitutional safeguards have persisted. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have led the movement, prompting the Centre to form a High-Powered Committee in January 2023. However, talks stalled after May, with only a domicile policy finalised. The hunger strike and shutdown aimed to pressure the government to resume dialogue, but activists, including Wangchuk, accused the Centre of ignoring peaceful appeals, fuelling youth frustration.

With a curfew in place and additional CRPF reinforcements deployed, Leh remains tense. The administration has invoked Section 163 of the BNSS to ban unauthorised rallies, and fears persist that the death toll could rise due to critical injuries. Activists, including Wangchuk, stressed the need for urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation, warning that continued neglect could destabilise Ladakh further.