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 saw protesters torch 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 on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 were hospitalized.
**Unrest Escalation and Response**
The situation escalated after a group of youths allegedly pelted stones at police personnel. In response, authorities used teargas and baton charges to control the crowd.
To restore order, additional forces have been deployed in Leh. Furthermore, the Union administration in Leh, Ladakh, imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). An assembly of five or more persons is now prohibited, and no parade, rally, or march can take place in Leh without prior written approval.
**Political Background**
A fresh round of talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 6. However, protesters are demanding an earlier date amid ongoing hunger strikes and growing concerns over Ladakh’s political future.
The political status of Ladakh has remained contentious since the abrogation of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019. The former state was bifurcated into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one.
Initially, residents welcomed the change. However, dissatisfaction soon grew over what they perceived as a political vacuum under the lieutenant governor’s administration. This discontent fueled protests and a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
**Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike**
Sonam Wangchuk, a key figure in the movement, ended his hunger strike as tensions escalated. Meanwhile, the central government had formed a high-level committee to address the demands of the people, but talks have so far been inconclusive.
In March, Ladakhi leaders met with Home Minister Amit Shah, but the discussions collapsed after core demands, including statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, were rejected.
—
The situation in Ladakh remains tense as the community awaits further dialogue and resolution on their political status.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/4-dead-curfew-imposed-as-ladakh-s-statehood-protests-turn-hostile/story
