A large protest demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. Hundreds of protesters clashed with the police, pelted stones, and set a BJP office on fire. The crowds also torched a police vehicle during the confrontation. In response, security forces fired tear gas shells and carried out lathi-charge to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters have been observing a hunger strike and called for a complete shutdown in the region to press their demands. This is the first major incident of violence since the statehood movement gained momentum
VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
Protesters Demand Statehood and Safeguards
The people of Ladakh have been demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for several years. Protesters argue that such provisions are necessary to protect land, culture, and resources. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been leading a hunger strike for two weeks, pressing for inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule. Residents say they fear losing control over their natural resources under the current system of central rule. The Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, representing both Buddhist and Muslim groups, have united to raise a common voice for statehood and special protections.
Protests turn violent in Ladakh demanding Sixth Schedule. Two protestors on hunger strike since last 15 days were taken to the hospital. BJP Office in Leh also vandalised. pic.twitter.com/P6c147o7wQ
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 24, 2025
The violent clashes in Leh come ahead of fresh talks between Ladakh leaders and the central government. The Centre has scheduled a meeting with representatives from the region on October 6 to discuss their demands. This will be the latest round of dialogue after earlier meetings failed to produce results. In March, a delegation of Ladakhi leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, but discussions collapsed. Local leaders said the Home Minister rejected their demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule, adding to growing resentment and mistrust in the region.
VIDEO | Leh, Ladakh: Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly turned violent and pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown.
The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on… pic.twitter.com/ebFGf8AeBO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025
Ladakh’s Unrest Since Union Territory Status
Ladakh became a Union Territory in August 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh welcomed the move, but within a year, discontent began to grow. Residents accused the administration of creating a political vacuum and sidelining local voices. The absence of an elected assembly under the Lieutenant Governor’s rule fueled concerns about representation and decision-making. The ongoing protests are a direct result of these fears, with people demanding stronger constitutional safeguards and the restoration of democratic rights in the region.
Religious and Political Groups Unite in Protest
For the first time in decades, Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil have joined hands in the movement. The Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance are leading the protests jointly. Their unity signals the depth of discontent across the region, cutting across religious and political lines. Both groups say the Sixth Schedule is crucial for safeguarding Ladakh’s environment, culture, and economic future. Despite the formation of a central committee to examine their demands, repeated talks have failed to yield concrete progress. The violent turn in Leh has now brought renewed focus to their struggle.
Swastika Sruti is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX Digital with 5 years of experience shaping stories that matter. She loves tracking politics- national and global trends, and never misses a chance to dig deeper into policies and developments. Passionate about what’s happening around us, she brings sharp insight and clarity to every piece she works on. When not curating news, she’s busy exploring what’s next in the world of public interest. You can reach her at [swastika.newsx@gmail.com]
