Ladakh Protest Turns Violent in Leh, Four Dead, 70 Injured

Leh, Ladakh | September 25, 2025:

At least four people were killed and over 70 injured after violent clashes broke out in Leh on September 24 during ongoing protests demanding statehood for Ladakh. Protesters set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and a CRPF van, prompting police to impose curfew and ban assemblies across the town.

Authorities said the unrest began around 11:30 AM when a mob attacked the BJP headquarters and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Leh. Vehicles were torched, and over 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured. Security forces responded with teargas and firing, leading to casualties. By 4 PM, the administration said the situation was under control.

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Trigger for the Violence

The immediate spark came after 15 hunger strikers had to be hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Frustration grew when the Union Home Ministry fixed October 6 as the next date for talks, which protest leaders said was too late given the ongoing crisis.

Leaders and Reactions

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who led the hunger strike since September 10, condemned the violence, calling it “one of the saddest days” of his life. He said the unrest reflected youth anger over joblessness, broken promises, and years of unaddressed demands. “This was very organic, out of the blue, when youth came out and went on a rampage,” he told reporters.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, blamed Wangchuk’s “provocative” references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal for inciting violence. Officials accused him of abandoning the fast without making efforts to calm the situation.

BJP leaders alleged Congress involvement, pointing to a local councillor spotted at the protests. Congress has not issued an official statement, but party leaders earlier supported Ladakh’s demand for statehood.

Background to Protests

Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. While many initially welcomed UT status, discontent grew over the absence of a legislature, shrinking local autonomy, and fears of ecological damage from large-scale projects.

For the first time, political and religious groups from Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil joined hands through the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Their demands include full statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and greater job opportunities for locals.

Official Statements

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta called the clashes a “conspiracy” and said those who instigated protests were responsible for the deaths. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah added that Ladakh was never promised statehood but said the discontent highlighted the larger sense of betrayal among both UTs carved from the former state.

What’s Next?

The Union government confirmed that the next High-Powered Committee meeting on Ladakh’s demands will take place on October 6, with preliminary talks scheduled for September 25–26. Authorities said the region is returning to normalcy, with restrictions still in place to prevent further violence.

Closing Update: As of Thursday morning, Leh remained calm under curfew, with heavy security deployment. Talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre are expected to resume in the coming days.