Ladakh (Union Territory): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that Wednesday’s violent protests in Leh, Ladakh, over demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution were orchestrated by the Congress. The unrest led to clashes with police, arson, and the deaths of four people, with at least 80 others injured, including 40 police personnel.
BJP alleges Congress involvement
BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, a Congress councillor from Upper Leh Ward, was the main instigator of the violence. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Patra said, “Today in Ladakh, an attempt was made to portray some protests as being led by ‘Gen Z’ but investigations found this was actually a Congress-led protest. Stanzin Tsepang is marching towards the BJP office with a weapon and instigating the mob.”
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared images on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the councillor was actively participating in the violence and targeting the BJP office and the Hill Council. Patra alleged that the Congress aimed to create instability similar to situations in Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines, accusing Rahul Gandhi of inciting youth to foment unrest.
Clashes and aftermath
The protests escalated as demonstrators threw stones at police, set a paramilitary vehicle ablaze, and torched the local BJP office. Police resorted to tear gas, batons, and bullets to control the crowd. Four critically injured individuals later died, and several others sustained injuries.
Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta termed the clashes a conspiracy and vowed action against all involved. Police have registered an FIR naming the Congress councillor for alleged involvement in arson and violence.
Sonam Wangchuk’s perspective
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day hunger strike over the statehood demand, dismissed claims that the Congress orchestrated the protests. Speaking at a press conference, Wangchuk said, “The Congress does not have such influence here to mobilise 5,000 youth. The councillor acted in anger because two people from his village were hospitalised. The larger violence was due to frustration among Gen Z youths.”
Wangchuk highlighted that 2,000–5,000 youth joined the protest, expressing their anger over five years of unaddressed demands. The announcement of a government meeting on October 6 also fueled dissatisfaction, triggering the large-scale unrest.
Background of the statehood demand
Since the abrogation of Article 370, there has been an ongoing demand for separate statehood for Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. Protesters have also sought inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure greater autonomy and protection of local rights.
Conclusion
The violent protests in Leh underline the deep frustration among local youths and the complexity of governance in the region. While the BJP attributes the unrest to Congress instigation, local activists point to systemic grievances and long-standing unfulfilled demands. The situation remains tense as authorities investigate the incident, and stakeholders call for dialogue to address political and social concerns in Ladakh.