Authorities in Leh have enforced a curfew today following violent clashes that erupted over demands for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, resulting in four fatalities and approximately 70 injuries. The unrest has raised serious concerns about public safety and order in the region.
In Kargil, District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has implemented prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023. This measure aims to prevent any further disturbances and prohibits processions, rallies, public marches, and demonstrations without prior written permission. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers and public address systems, as well as public statements likely to provoke unrest, are also banned.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has attributed the violent protests in Leh to activist Sonam Wangchuk, accusing him of inciting unrest and misleading the public. In a statement, the MHA emphasized its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and pointed to progress made in previous discussions with local leaders. The ministry highlighted that a hunger strike initiated by Wangchuk on September 10, 2025, demanding the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh coincided with escalating tensions.
The MHA reiterated that the demands raised during Wangchuk’s hunger strike are integral to ongoing discussions within the High-Powered Committee (HPC), which has already yielded significant results, such as increasing reservations for scheduled tribes in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, providing one-third reservations for women in local councils, and recognizing Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.Despite appeals from various leaders to end his hunger strike, Wangchuk persisted, allegedly inciting a mob on September 24 that attacked a political party office and a government office in Leh.
In response to the crisis, a high-level MHA team is set to arrive in Leh today to assess the situation and engage with leaders from both Leh and Kargil. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned for later this month.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting on Thursday to evaluate the situation across Ladakh. Emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and inter-agency coordination, he called for proactive measures to ensure peace and public order throughout the Union Territory.
In a statement released on X, Gupta expressed concern over the recent violence, which included protesters setting fire to a police vehicle. Security forces reportedly resorted to firing in self-defense during the clashes, leading to casualties. The MHA confirmed that at least four individuals have died and over 50 have been injured amid the ongoing turmoil.
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