Ladakh Violence / 4 killed, over 72 injured in Ladakh violence; demand for full statehood for Ladakh

Ladakh Violence: Violent protests broke out in Leh, Ladakh, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, over the demand for full statehood. During clashes between students and security forces, 4 people were killed and more than 70 injured. Protesters pelted stones at the police, set fire to the BJP office, and torched a CRPF vehicle. In response, the administration banned rallies and demonstrations in Leh without prior permission.

Cause of the Protest

Protesters took to the streets in support of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for the past 15 days. Wangchuk and his supporters are demanding full statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. This demand has persisted since 2019, when Articles 370 and 35A were revoked, and Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were made two separate Union Territories. At that time, the central government had assured that Ladakh would be granted full statehood once conditions normalized, but the promise remains unfulfilled.

How Did the Violence Erupt?

Mobilization via Social Media: On Tuesday night, protesters called for a Ladakh shutdown on September 24 through social media, urging people to gather at Leh Hill Council. A large crowd, especially youth, assembled there.

Clashes with Police: Police had set up barricades in front of Leh Hill Council. When protesters tried to move forward, police used tear gas. In retaliation, the mob set fire to a police vehicle and resorted to vandalism, leading to violent clashes.

Administration’s Tough Stance

After the violence, the Leh district administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), prohibiting gatherings of five or more people. The District Magistrate ordered that no rallies, processions, or marches would be allowed without prior permission. The administration also warned against making statements that could disturb peace or law and order. This step aims to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Response

After the violence, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike, stating:

"This is a day of sorrow for Ladakh. For five years, we walked the path of peace. We fasted, we marched from Leh to Delhi. Today, we are witnessing the failure of our message of peace—violence, shootings, and arson are taking over. I appeal to the youth of Ladakh to stop this foolishness. We are ending our fast and halting protests. We want the administration to ease the pressure, and the youth must stop the violence."

Wangchuk also announced that the next meeting on this issue would be held in Delhi on October 6.

National Conference’s Remarks

National Conference leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad said:

"Neither the people of Leh nor Jammu & Kashmir accepted the decision of August 5, 2019. Since then, people have been demanding full statehood, Fifth Schedule status, and legislative powers. When these demands were ignored, some turned to violence, leading to this situation."

Historical Background

On August 5, 2019, the central government revoked Articles 370 and 35A, dividing Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, people of Ladakh, especially in Leh and Kargil, have felt politically marginalized. They have repeatedly protested, demanding full statehood, constitutional safeguards, protection of land and jobs, and preservation of their cultural identity.