Context of the Leh Violence

On September 24, 2025, violent clashes erupted in Leh, Ladakh, resulting in four fatalities and over 80 injuries. The unrest was sparked by protests demanding greater autonomy for Ladakh, including statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Demonstrators clashed with police, leading to the setting ablaze of the BJP office and several vehicles. In response, authorities imposed curfews and detained at least 40 individuals to restore order

Omar Abdullah’s Critique of BJP’s Response

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the BJP’s reaction to the violence, accusing the party of deflecting responsibility. He stated, “When they fail, they blame someone else,” highlighting the BJP’s tendency to shift blame rather than address administrative shortcomings. Abdullah emphasized that the violence was a result of the administration’s failure to maintain peace and order

BJP’s Allegations Against Congress

In contrast, the BJP has accused the Congress party of inciting the unrest. They pointed to the involvement of Congress-affiliated individuals in the protests, suggesting that the opposition party played a role in escalating the situation. However, Abdullah refuted these claims, questioning the BJP’s rationale. He noted that if the Congress were indeed powerful enough to incite riots in Ladakh, it would have been able to form the local council in 2020, which the BJP had won decisively (Madhyamam).

Broader Political Implications

The Leh violence has underscored the growing discontent among Ladakh’s residents regarding their political status since the region’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Initially supportive of the change, many locals now express concerns over potential land exploitation, environmental degradation, and a lack of self-governance. The unrest reflects deepening dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of Ladakh’s affairs

Conclusion

The ongoing tensions in Ladakh highlight the complexities of governance in regions with distinct cultural and political identities. The contrasting narratives from the BJP and Congress underscore the challenges in addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s residents. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the demands for greater autonomy and address the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.