NextFin news, On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Leh, the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh, violent clashes broke out between protesters demanding full statehood and police forces, resulting in the deaths of four protesters and injuries to approximately 100 people, including police personnel.
The protests, which began as a hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and others demanding statehood and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, escalated into violence by late morning. Protesters reportedly vandalized buildings, set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and a police vehicle, and engaged in stone-pelting against security forces.
Authorities responded with lathi charges, tear gas, and, according to official statements, firing in self-defense. The Union Home Ministry stated that the violence started around 11:30 a.m. and was brought under control by 4 p.m. The ministry accused Sonam Wangchuk of inciting the mob through provocative statements, which he denied, condemning the violence but citing frustration among youth over unfulfilled government promises.
Additional Superintendent of Police Rigzin Sangdup reported four deaths and 30 injuries among protesters, with 60 to 70 police personnel also injured. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed in increased numbers to maintain order, with curfew imposed in parts of Leh.
The protests stem from longstanding demands since Ladakh's creation as a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Residents have sought full statehood, greater political representation, and protections for land, language, and employment rights. Previous agitations in 2023 and 2024 also centered on these issues.
Negotiations between the government and Ladakh representatives have been ongoing, with a meeting scheduled for October 6, 2025. However, protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of dialogue and government action. The unrest on September 24 was triggered after two activists were hospitalized, intensifying anger among demonstrators.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta suggested a conspiracy behind the violence, citing attempts to burn paramilitary personnel and attacks on police vehicles. The BJP blamed opposition parties for instigating the protests, while Wangchuk and other activists emphasized the youth's frustration over unemployment and lack of constitutional safeguards.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to enforce curfew and deploy additional security forces to prevent further violence in the strategically important and culturally sensitive region of Ladakh.
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