Violence erupted in Leh, Ladakh on September 24, 2025, when protests over statehood turned violent. Protesters set fire to the BJP office and a CRPF van, leading to four deaths and over 70 injuries. Authorities imposed a curfew to restore order.
The protests had been peaceful for two weeks, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike. However, tensions rose when 15 protestors had to be hospitalized, sparking anger among the youth. Wangchuk described the unrest as a “Gen Z revolution”, blaming frustration over joblessness, broken promises, and lack of autonomy.
Why are People Protesting?
Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) in 2019 after Article 370 was revoked and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated. Unlike J&K, Ladakh has no elected assembly, leaving locals under the control of a Lieutenant Governor. Over time, people felt politically sidelined and feared threats to jobs, land rights, and Ladakh’s fragile environment.
The Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have been demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, and more autonomy. Despite several rounds of talks with the Union government, no breakthrough has been achieved.
What happened on September 24?
On Wednesday morning, youth groups left the hunger strike venue and attacked government offices and BJP headquarters. Police fired tear gas, and clashes left dozens injured, including 22 security personnel. Officials say protesters were provoked by Sonam Wangchuk’s speeches referencing the Arab Spring and Gen Z protests in Nepal.
Political reactions
The Union Home Ministry accused Sonam Wangchuk of inciting violence and leaving without calming the crowds. Wangchuk, however, blamed the BJP’s “U-turns” on earlier promises and years of unaddressed youth unemployment.
The BJP linked the violence to Congress, pointing to videos of a local Congress councillor in the mob. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Ladakhis felt betrayed, as even the limited promises made in 2019 had not been kept.
The curfew has calmed the situation, but discontent remains. The Union government has called another high-powered committee meeting on October 6 to discuss Ladakh’s demands. Until then, Leh remains under tight security, with large gatherings banned.
The incident highlights Ladakh’s growing frustration over lack of self-rule, economic opportunities, and political voice—issues that remain unresolved six years after UT status.
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