Leh, Ladakh: Tensions in Ladakh have reached a boiling point as a massive protest demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. Demonstrators, organized by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), clashed with police, resulting in a police vehicle being set on fire and the torching of the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.
The protest was called in solidarity with the long-running agitation led by the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been jointly spearheading the movement for four years. The situation escalated after two out of fifteen people on a 35-day hunger strike, which began on September 10, were hospitalized on Tuesday due to their deteriorating health.
In the midst of the escalating violence, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key figure in the protests, called off his 15-day hunger strike and appealed for peace. In a video message, Wangchuk expressed his sadness over the events and urged the youth to “please stop this nonsense,” stating that the violence only harms their cause.
The demands of the protesters, centered on a four-point agenda, are to gain statehood for Ladakh, include the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, establish a separate public service commission for locals, and increase its parliamentary seats from one to two. The Sixth Schedule provides administrative and financial autonomy to tribal regions, a status the protesters believe is crucial to protect Ladakh’s unique tribal culture, land, and fragile environment from unregulated development.
The recent unrest highlights a deep-seated frustration among the local population, who feel their demands have been neglected since Ladakh was made a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. The protests come just days after the Ministry of Home Affairs scheduled a fresh round of talks with the LAB and KDA for October 6. However, some leaders viewed the unilateral scheduling of the meeting as a sign of the government’s lack of seriousness.
In response to the clashes, the Leh District Magistrate, Romil Singh Donk, has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, banning the assembly of five or more people and the use of loudspeakers without prior written approval.
Meanwhile, political leaders have reacted to the violence. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a post on X, noted that while Ladakh “celebrated” its UT status in 2019, they now feel “betrayed,” highlighting the contrast with the peaceful and democratic manner in which Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding its statehood. Mehbooba Mufti, another prominent J&K politician, also expressed concern, writing on X that the protest in Leh shows how the people feel “betrayed, insecure, and let down by unfulfilled promises.”