Ladakh Protests Turn Deadly: Statehood and Sixth Schedule Demands Spark Violence

 

NEW DELHI: Ladakh witnessed its worst unrest in decades on Wednesday as protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule protections escalated into deadly clashes. Four people lost their lives, over 80 were injured, including police personnel, and curfew was imposed in Leh. Vehicles were torched, and security forces resorted to teargas and live rounds to control the crowds.

 

Trigger: Hunger Strike and Hospitalisation

The immediate spark came when two hunger strikers, Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60), were hospitalised in critical condition on Tuesday evening. They had been part of a 35-day fast demanding statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule protections. Their hospitalization triggered widespread anger among local youths, leading to protests and clashes at Martyrs’ Ground in Leh the following morning. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been leading the fast, acknowledged that the hospitalisation acted as the flashpoint for the violence.

 

Key Demands of Protesters

The movement centers around four main demands:

 

1. Statehood for Ladakh

 

 

2. Extension of Sixth Schedule protections

 

 

3. Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil

 

 

4. Employment reservations

 

 

 

Protesters argue that without Sixth Schedule protections, Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, land rights, and cultural identity are at risk. The Sixth Schedule grants tribal areas autonomy through elected councils with financial and administrative powers. Activists accuse the BJP of failing to fulfill its 2020 promise to secure this status for Ladakh.

 

Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike

Wangchuk, who began fasting on September 10, ended his protest amid the outbreak of violence. He urged the youth to halt the unrest, calling it the “saddest day for Ladakh” and warning that violence undermines the movement. He reaffirmed his commitment to non-violent agitation and appealed to the government to address the demands of the people.

 

Casualties and Clashes

Officials confirmed the deaths of four protesters aged 19, 20, 23, and 46. At least 80 others were injured, including over 40 police personnel. Witnesses reported teargas and lathi charges, followed by live firing when crowds attacked government and BJP offices. Several protesters reportedly suffered severe injuries, including loss of limbs. These were the first fatal clashes in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019.

 

Arson and Vandalism Across Leh

Groups of youths set fire to vehicles and vandalised public property. The BJP headquarters and Hill Council office in Leh were torched, along with a police vehicle. Authorities later imposed a curfew to prevent further violence.

 

Government Response and Political Reactions

The Union Home Ministry blamed “politically motivated individuals” and “provocative statements” for escalating tensions and urged people not to spread misleading social media content. Dialogue with Ladakh groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), continues, with the next round of talks scheduled for October 6.

 

The unrest quickly became political. The BJP accused Congress of instigating the protests, calling it a “Gen Z revolution,” while Congress blamed the Modi government for mishandling the situation and delaying talks. Leaders demanded investigations into how a peaceful protest turned violent.

 

Centre–Ladakh Talks and Frustrations