On September 24, 2025, protests in Leh, Ladakh, turned violent as demonstrators set fire to the BJP office, damaged the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council building, and torched CRPF vehicles during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body. Security forces used tear gas and batons to control the situation, leaving at least 50 injured, including two hunger strikers in critical condition.
In response to the unrest, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and appealed for non-violence. Authorities imposed Section 144 and suspended internet services, as demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections remain unmet since 2019.
The situation worsened when police were forced to use tear gas and batons after protesters turned violent and began pelting stones. Demonstrators also torched the BJP office in Leh.
According to PTI, the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) had called for a 35-day hunger strike starting September 10. During the strike, two out of the 15 participants were hospitalized, which reportedly triggered the youth wing’s call for a protest and shutdown.
These protests come after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) vowed to continue their hunger strike until their demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are met.
What has happened so far
- The movement demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh has been gaining momentum across the region.
Originally meant for tribal areas in Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam, the Sixth Schedule provides special governance powers, financial autonomy, alternative judicial mechanisms, and local self-government through autonomous councils.
A fresh round of discussions between the Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is scheduled for October 6.
Both LAB and KDA have jointly led the agitation for over four years, holding multiple rounds of talks with the central government to push for statehood and constitutional safeguards.
In response to a protest call, Leh town observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday. Thousands gathered at the NDS Memorial Ground before marching through the streets, raising slogans in support of their demands.
The protest took a violent turn when a group of youths reportedly pelted stones at the BJP headquarters and the Ladakh Hill Council building.
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