At least four people lost their lives and more than 70 others were injured on Wednesday as demonstrations demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent. The unrest forced authorities in Leh to impose a city-wide curfew, restricting gatherings of more than five people.

Clashes broke out when protesters, led largely by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), resorted to stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. The local BJP office and a vehicle were set ablaze during the turmoil. Police responded with teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowds.

Curfew and Restrictions

In response, the Union Territory administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning processions, rallies, or marches in Leh without prior written approval. Additional paramilitary forces were also deployed to restore order.

The demonstrations form part of a broader movement seeking constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, which became a Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. While many had initially welcomed UT status, calls for full statehood have since intensified.

Voices from the Movement

Thupstan Tswang, chairperson of the Leh Apex Body, expressed grief over the deaths, describing the victims as “martyrs of the cause.” He vowed that their sacrifices would not go in vain.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended a 15-day hunger strike, condemned the violence. He urged young people to abandon destructive tactics, stressing that their frustration should not derail the five-year-long peaceful struggle. “No fast or protest succeeds if lives are lost,” he said.

The violence erupted just days before a scheduled meeting on October 6 between Ladakhi representatives—including LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—and the Centre. Protesters have been pressing for an earlier dialogue, citing mounting public anger and the deteriorating health of hunger strikers.

Political Reactions

Former J&K police chief Sesh Paul Vaid and several civil society voices appealed for calm, warning that violence would only weaken Ladakh’s case. Meanwhile, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of betraying Ladakhis, pointing out that even those who initially celebrated UT status now feel deceived. He linked their anger to the unfulfilled promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as well.

Cultural Impact

The turbulence also forced the cancellation of the closing ceremony of the four-day Ladakh Festival, disappointing performers, tourists, and locals alike.

For protesters, however, the central issue remains safeguarding Ladakh’s fragile ecology, tribal identity, and cultural uniqueness through constitutional guarantees—an agenda they say cannot be delayed any longer.