Leh Violence Over Ladakh Statehood: Four Dead, BJP Blames Congress, Wangchuk Appeals For Peace
Leh in Ladakh witnessed its worst bout of violence in recent years on Wednesday, September 24, as long-running protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards spiralled into chaos.
At least four people were killed in police firing, and over 60 were injured when demonstrators clashed with security forces, set the BJP office ablaze, and torched a CRPF vehicle.
The administration imposed a curfew in Leh district to prevent further escalation, while security forces tightened vigil across sensitive areas.
The unrest broke out after weeks of peaceful hunger strikes led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body (LAB). Protesters had been demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would guarantee protections for land, jobs, and tribal identity.
On Wednesday, however, the agitation took a violent turn when a section of youth clashed with police. Stone-pelting was reported near the BJP office, which was set on fire along with a CRPF van. Police responded with teargas, baton charges, and eventually firing, leaving four dead and dozens injured.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the violence was not spontaneous but politically orchestrated by the Congress. BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed that Congress councillor Stanzing Tsepang from Upper Leh ward was seen leading the mob, even “marching with a weapon” toward the BJP office.
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Patra accused the Congress of fueling unrest with “nefarious designs” and linked the incident to Rahul Gandhi, saying the party was trying to destabilise India through “anti-national conspiracies.” A video allegedly showing Tsepang at the protest was circulated by the BJP.
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid also alleged that the clashes were part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to derail scheduled talks between Ladakh’s leadership and the Centre.
He pointed to activist Wangchuk’s earlier remarks about global Gen Z protests and warned that political forces were misleading Ladakh’s youth. “The way the BJP office, the Hill Council, and CRPF vehicles were targeted shows this was pre-planned,” he said, urging legal action against those responsible.
Reacting to the events, Wangchuk expressed deep disappointment. In a message on X, he wrote: “My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.” He described the unrest as an outburst of “Gen Z frustration,” but insisted violence was not the way forward. Wangchuk also called off the hunger strike, which had entered its 15th day.
VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised that the Government of India has been holding active discussions with Ladakh’s leaders through the High-Powered Committee (HPC) and its subcommittees.
It highlighted progress, including increasing Scheduled Tribe reservations from 45% to 84%, introducing one-third of women’s reservations in local councils, recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and starting recruitment for 1,800 posts. However, the ministry alleged that “politically motivated individuals” were attempting to sabotage the dialogue.
Talks between the Centre, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings on September 25 and 26.
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Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike J&K, however, it was left without a legislature, placing it under direct central rule.
Since then, local groups have been demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, cultural heritage, and tribal rights. With over 97% of Ladakh’s population belonging to Scheduled Tribes, protesters argue that constitutional protection is vital to prevent exploitation of land and resources.
With curfew in place, the final day of the Ladakh Festival 2025 was cancelled. Security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas as Leh continues under high alert.
