Leh, Ladakh — A growing movement demanding statehood and constitutional protection in the Union Territory of Ladakh took a violent and deadly turn this week, leading to a sweeping curfew across the region. Authorities confirmed that at least four people were killed and over 70 injured, including security personnel, during large-scale clashes that erupted in Leh on Wednesday.
The chaos marks the most serious unrest Ladakh has witnessed since its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The protests, which had been largely peaceful until now, were organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — two umbrella groups advocating for Ladakh’s political autonomy, land rights, and constitutional recognition under the Sixth Schedule.
What was initially planned as a symbolic demonstration in support of a hunger strike turned into an outburst of fury, as clashes between youth protesters and security forces escalated. Demonstrators torched government vehicles, vandalized public property, and set fire to a local BJP office, prompting police to use teargas and eventually open fire.
The administration swiftly imposed a region-wide curfew, sealed off key roads, and called in paramilitary reinforcements. Internet services were suspended in several districts to contain further escalation.
The Spark: Hunger Strike and Rising Frustrations
Much of the current unrest is rooted in long-standing grievances about Ladakh’s political future. When Article 370 was revoked in 2019, Ladakh was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir and designated a Union Territory — but without a legislature. Many locals felt sidelined by the central government, which now governs the region directly through appointed officials.
In response, civil society leaders, activists, students, and religious heads have united in calling for greater autonomy. Among the most prominent figures in the movement is Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned education reformer and environmentalist, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month.
Wangchuk had demanded that the central government provide Ladakh with:
- Full statehood
- Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule
- Constitutional protections for tribal land and culture
- Representation in Parliament
On Tuesday, two elderly hunger strikers were hospitalized, and supporters intensified their call for a complete shutdown in Leh and surrounding areas.
Protesters poured into the streets on Wednesday, waving Ladakhi flags and chanting slogans like “Statehood now!” and “Safeguard our identity!”. What began as a peaceful rally soon deteriorated when a group attempted to storm a government office, triggering a crackdown.
The Violence: Clashes, Chaos, and Casualties
Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly turned volatile. Protesters clashed with police and paramilitary forces near Leh Market and other administrative areas. Stone-pelting erupted, and security forces retaliated with lathi charges and tear gas.
As the standoff worsened, live ammunition was reportedly used to disperse crowds in at least two locations. By late afternoon, four protesters had died, and dozens more lay injured.
One resident, Tenzing Dorje, said:
“We’ve been protesting peacefully for months. But when elders were taken to the hospital, and the police tried to block our march, something inside people snapped.”
Authorities claimed that “external elements” infiltrated the protests and incited the violence, though no specific groups were named.
The Response: Lockdown and Condemnations
In the wake of the violence, Lieutenant Governor B.D. Mishra announced a strict curfew in Leh and surrounding areas. He appealed for calm but warned that anyone involved in “anti-national activities” would face serious consequences.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 were enforced, banning large gatherings and restricting movement. Over 40 arrests were made overnight, and key protest organizers have reportedly been detained.
The curfew has paralyzed life in the high-altitude region. Schools and colleges are closed, shops have shuttered, and tourists have been advised to remain indoors. Flights and public transport have also been disrupted.
Political and Civil Reactions
The Centre has condemned the violence but maintained that dialogue with local leaders is ongoing through the High Powered Committee established earlier this year. The next round of talks, originally scheduled for October, may now be advanced in light of the unrest.
However, opposition leaders and activists have slammed the central government’s handling of the situation.
Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of J&K, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Ladakh’s people were promised protection. Instead, they are being silenced. The violence is tragic and avoidable.”
The Congress party has demanded a judicial probe into the police firing and accused the BJP of failing to fulfil Ladakhis’ aspirations.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk has ended his fast, citing the deteriorating situation. In a video message, he said:
“Violence is not the path forward. But the government must listen to Ladakh’s cry for justice. We deserve dignity and constitutional rights.”
What Lies Ahead
The current crisis has cast a shadow over the Modi government’s promise of development and integration in Ladakh. What was once seen as a model of peaceful civic activism has now turned into a warning sign of deeper alienation.
Experts say this marks a crucial turning point.
Dr. Nawang Norbu, a political scientist based in Leh, explained:
“Ladakhis are not asking for separation. They are asking for constitutional guarantees. Ignoring these voices, or responding with force, will only push people away from the democratic process.”
The coming days will be pivotal. For now, the curfew holds, the wounds are raw, and the memory of the violence threatens to alter the political landscape in this strategically sensitive Himalayan region.