On September 24, protests demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent in Leh, resulting in at least four deaths and more than 70 injuries, including police personnel. Protesters set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and a CRPF van, prompting authorities to impose a curfew across the town.

Peaceful Protests Turn Violent

Prior to Wednesday, demonstrations led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had remained peaceful for two weeks. Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10, condemned the violence, calling it an “outburst of the young generation” triggered by frustration over delays in government response. He described the events as a “Gen Z revolution,” drawing parallels to recent youth-led protests in Nepal.

The Union government, however, accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence through provocative speeches and references to international protests. Officials said the mob attacked public offices, security personnel, and vehicles after Wangchuk left the hunger strike site, which escalated tensions.

“On 24th September, at around 11.30 AM, a mob instigated by his [Sonam Wangchuk] provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh,” the Ministry of Home Affairs stated.

Roots of the Statehood Demand

Ladakh was designated a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, which now has an assembly, Ladakh remains directly governed by the Union government through a Lieutenant Governor. Residents argue that the lack of legislative representation limits local governance, threatens ecological safeguards, and restricts job and land rights.

For years, political and religious groups from Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil have joined under the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, pushing for statehood and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, which provides greater autonomy to tribal areas.

Trigger of the September 24 Violence

The immediate spark was the hospitalization of hunger strikers on September 23 due to deteriorating health. The youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) called for a shutdown and protests on September 24, expressing frustration at the delay of the next high-powered committee meeting to October 6.

Groups of protesters indulged in arson and vandalism, targeting BJP offices, government buildings, and vehicles. Security forces responded with teargas and baton charges, and police resorted to firing in self-defense, leading to casualties. By 4 PM, calm had largely been restored.

Reactions and Blame

  • Sonam Wangchuk: Blamed years of unaddressed youth grievances, including unemployment and lack of local governance, for the violence. He rejected allegations that the protests were politically orchestrated.
  • Union Government: Accused Wangchuk of misleading people and instigating violence.
  • BJP: Alleged Congress involvement, citing participation of a local Congress councillor in the unrest.
  • Jammu & Kashmir Leaders: Former CM Omar Abdullah said, “Ladakh celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled.”
  • Ladakh L-G Kavinder Gupta: Termed the clashes a conspiracy, blaming protesters for deaths and arson.

Way Forward

Authorities have imposed curfew and strict assembly bans. The High-Powered Committee will resume talks with Ladakh representatives on October 6, with preparatory meetings on September 25-26. The administration is focused on restoring normalcy while addressing long-standing statehood demands.

Wangchuk described Wednesday’s violence as “one of the saddest days” of his life, emphasizing that it was fueled by unmet promises and youth frustration rather than political agendas.