4 dead, curfew imposed as Ladakh’s statehood protests turn hostile

**4 Dead, Curfew Imposed as Ladakh’s Statehood Protests Turn Hostile**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 24, 2025, 06:11 PM*

As many as four people died and 70 others were injured when protests in Leh, Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. The unrest escalated as protesters torched a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and a security vehicle.

The demonstrations were led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), whose youth wing had called for the protest after two of the 15 people undergoing a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 were hospitalized.

### Unrest Escalation and Security Response

The situation worsened when a group of youths allegedly pelted stones at the police. In response, authorities used teargas and baton charges to control the crowd. Additional security forces have now been deployed in Leh to restore order.

To contain the violence, the Union administration in Leh, Ladakh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew bans assemblies of five or more persons and prohibits any parade, rally, or march in Leh without prior written permission.

### Political Background and Current Developments

The demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion comes amid ongoing concerns about Ladakh’s political status following the abrogation of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This act bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir, with a legislature, and Ladakh, without one.

Initially, Ladakhi residents welcomed the change, but dissatisfaction grew over a perceived political vacuum under the lieutenant governor’s administration. This unrest culminated in protests and a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended his strike amid escalating tensions.

### Talks and Future Prospects

A fresh round of talks between the Central government and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 6. However, protesters are demanding an earlier meeting due to the ongoing hunger strikes and uncertainty around Ladakh’s political future.

Previously, the Central government formed a high-level committee to address these demands. In March, Ladakhi leaders met with Home Minister Amit Shah, but the talks broke down after core demands were rejected.

The situation remains tense as stakeholders await constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.
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