What began as a youth-led demonstration in Leh, Ladakh, demanding political recognition and constitutional protection, escalated into one of the worst episodes of violence in the region’s recent history. At least four dead, over 80 injured, curfews and arrests since then. On 26 September, Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the strictest National Security Act (NSA) by the police in Leh.
From Jammu & Kashmir to a Separate Union Territory
Until 2019, Ladakh was an integral part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, which enjoyed a measure of autonomy under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Then, in August 2019, an Act concerning the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir was passed by the Indian Parliament, thereby abrogating Article 370 and dividing the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Under this new arrangement, Ladakh was set up as a Union Territory without a legislature. The Union Territory would be directly managed under a Lieutenant Governor nominated by the central government.
The existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (for Leh and Kargil) remained in place; however, they were stripped of most of their effective powers. Many local leaders and communities thus began pressing for more political rights, fearing that the direct Central rule would take away local control over land, jobs, cultural identity, and ecological protection.
Raising the demands: Statehood, Sixth Schedule, and Local safeguards
In the years since, there have been demands led by local bodies such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance for:
1. Statehood for Ladakh- that is, upgrading the UT to a full-fledged state so that it can have its own legislature and more powers to be considered.
2. Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which affords a special degree of protection to tribal areas, such as more powerful local self-governance, the control of land, forests, and resources.
3. Job reservations and local rights, providing preference for employment in public service to residents of Leh and Kargil, while at the same time controlling alienation of their land.
4. Granting two Parliamentary seats for Ladakh- one each for Leh and Kargil districts to make representation stronger.
Despite innumerable dialogues and committees formed by the central government, local leaders claim that the process was either slow, non-committal, or even dilatory.
In the last few academic years, cracks in patience have begun to appear, especially among the youth, who feel their voices are being ignored.
The Spark: Hunger Strike and the Rise of Unrest
Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike
In September 2025, the hunger strike led by popular activist-educator Sonam Wangchuk called for urgent attention to the statehood demand and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule in Leh. He became the symbolic leader of the movement.
The Final Blow: Health Crisis, Call for Shutdown, and Protests
On September 23, two elderly people participating in the fast fell ill and were taken to the hospital. On 24 September, the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body called for a shutdown and protest in Leh.
The Day of Violence: September 24, 2025
What began as rallies and shutdown calls turned into clashes. Protesters reportedly threw stones, set vehicles ablaze, and torched the BJP office in Leh. In response, police and security forces used tear gas, baton charges, and reportedly fired live rounds in self-defence. At least four protesters died, and dozens were injured (more than 50). Security forces also reported injuries among their ranks.
Authorities imposed a curfew across parts of Leh and prohibited gatherings of five or more people under Section 163 of the BNS (possibly the local code for prohibitory orders).
More than 50 people were arrested in connection with the violence, and a FIR (First Information Report) was filed against a Congress ward member (some local reports say Sonam Wangchuk, though he denies responsibility for inciting violence).
The government also initiated a preliminary enquiry by the CBI into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by institutions linked to Wangchuk.
The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed “provocative statements” by Wangchuk, particularly his references to Arab Spring–style protests or the Gen Z protests in Nepal, for inspiring the unrest.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, called the violence a “coordinated conspiracy” and warned that law and order would be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk expressed shock at the deaths, said he ended his fast in the interest of peace, and appealed to the youth not to resort to violence. He said the day would always remain one of the saddest days of his life.
Local politicians and civil society groups took sides. The Congress accused the BJP of instigating the crisis and suppressing legitimate demand. The BJP alleged that Congress and external forces orchestrated a “foreign-backed plot” in this strategically sensitive region. A local civil society umbrella, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, publicly backed the movement while urging the protesters to remain non-violent.
By September 25, sections of Leh began returning to normal. Shops reopened, though many remained closed as a precaution. Security forces continue to patrol the streets under curfew, especially in sensitive areas. Administrators held high-level security review meetings and imposed strict orders banning large gatherings.
Political and Legal Moves
The cancellation of the FCRA license of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, an organization linked to Wangchuk, marks a significant move by the central government to curtail his influence.
Talks between the central government and local representatives are scheduled, some sources say, for October 6, but many in Ladakh argue the date is too late given the urgency.
A high-powered committee and sub-committee had been engaging with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance over time. Still, local groups complain that those efforts lacked clear timelines and enforceability.
The CBI’s inquiry into FCRA violations, the filing of FIRs against local politicians, and the arrests of protesters will be closely monitored.
Ladakh’s Director General of Police (DGP), SD Singh Jamwal, on Saturday claimed that Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who led the hunger strike demanding statehood for the Union Territory, has links with Pakistan and raised concerns about his visits to neighbouring countries. The activist was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday and was shifted to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail.
