On September 24, a large protest in Leh, Ladakh, led primarily by the youth and student wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB), turned violent during a citywide bandh. The protest, originally a peaceful show of solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike, spiralled into unrest near the offices of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hill Council.
Protestors reportedly pelted stones, torched vehicles, and vandalised the BJP office, setting fire to furniture and official documents. Police and paramilitary forces responded with tear gas, baton charges, and, in some cases, firing, which authorities claimed was used in self-defence.
BREAKING : Chaos in Leh-Ladakh
GenZ protest against BJP Govt in Ladakh goes violent, they even attacked BJP offices
BJP facing the heat of GenZ now 💀pic.twitter.com/pUEM7egsHP
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) September 24, 2025
By late afternoon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the situation had been brought under control.
Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal informed to The Hindu that four people died, 15 are seriously injured and 30 others received minor injuries during September 24 protest in Leh.
JUST IN | Four people died, 15 are seriously injured and 30 others received minor injuries during September 24 protest in Leh: Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal to The Hindu
– @vijaita reports— The Hindu (@the_hindu) September 25, 2025
Background: statehood and constitutional safeguards
The unrest is rooted in long-standing demands from Ladakh’s civil society, particularly the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). These include full statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and legislative powers and safeguards for land, culture, and employment.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Ladakh has been administered as a Union Territory without an elected assembly, unlike other UTs such as Delhi or Puducherry. Tribal communities in both Leh and Kargil fear the loss of identity, unchecked development, and demographic shifts without constitutional protection.
Prolonged hunger strikes escalate tensions
Tensions had been building for weeks through a relay hunger strike launched on September 10 by 15 members of the LAB, demanding immediate government engagement. The protest gained momentum when two senior hunger strikers, Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60), were hospitalised after 35 days.
While the Ministry of Home Affairs had scheduled the next round of talks for October 6, many in the community—especially among the youth—felt the response lacked urgency. Frustration over delayed dialogue and perceived indifference from Delhi contributed to rising tempers.
Administration responds with restrictions
In the aftermath of the violence, the District Magistrate of Leh imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning public gatherings, processions, and speech likely to disrupt peace. Internet restrictions were also imposed in some areas, and additional security forces were deployed across Leh town.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is apprehension of disturbances to public peace… Immediate preventive measures are necessary,” said the District Magistrate’s order.
VIDEO | Leh, Ladakh: Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly turned violent and pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown.
The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on… pic.twitter.com/ebFGf8AeBO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025
Mob was incited by Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements: Centre
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that the violence was politically motivated. It blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for making “provocative statements” and drawing parallels with youth movements in Nepal and Bangladesh, which it said “misled the people.”
The government also cited an inflammatory speech made by Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag a day before the incident, claiming it incited crowds. Ladakh’s Lt. Governor, Kavinder Gupta, described the events as “a conspiracy,” stating that while protest is a democratic right, incitement and violence could not be justified.
“On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured. The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported” Ministry said
📢 Press Release on Ladakh
⭐ A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on…
— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025
The Ministry further added that “Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation.”
Education reformer Sonam Wangchuk denies role in violence
Sonam Wangchuk, who had ended his hunger strike hours before the unrest began, rejected claims that he had instigated violence. He said he had repeatedly urged protestors to remain peaceful and distanced himself from political affiliations.
“My message of a peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause,” Wangchuk said.
VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
He also stated that the movement was leaderless, organic, and born out of frustration. “This was not organised by any political party. I had even requested political groups to stay away from this movement,” he added.
Reports of CBI probe into FCRA allegations against Wangchuk
Following the violence, report confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting an inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by Sonam Wangchuk and his affiliated organisations.
Sources say, CBI is enquiring alleged violation of Foreign Contributions Act (FCRA) by Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk and his Organisation.
— Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) September 25, 2025
Ladakh feel betrayed & angry: J&K CM Omar Abdullah
Reacting to the incident, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on X (formerly Twitter) that Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry.
He added that “Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly.”
Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it… https://t.co/96fUpGJ6fh
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) September 24, 2025
Upcoming talks on October 6
The next round of talks between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs is scheduled for October 6 in Delhi. The delegation will include members from both LAB and KDA, and will be led by Thupstan Chhewang, former MP and senior Ladakhi leader. Chhewang had earlier resigned from the LAB after expressing dissatisfaction with the last round of talks held on May 27. His return is seen as a significant development, indicating the seriousness with which the local leadership views the current crisis.
A region in wait, a generation in motion
The Leh protest has once again brought national attention to the status and treatment of Ladakh. While the government continues to frame the issue within the law-and-order lens, civil society voices are urging Central Government to view it through a constitutional and political lens.
Ignoring the region’s demands or responding with clampdowns alone, many argue, will only deepen the trust deficit and alienation already felt in Ladakh. The September 24 protest may have ended, but the questions it raised remain unanswered. The unrest was not just a reaction to administrative delay—it was a larger expression of political aspiration and generational angst.
As Ladakh awaits the outcome of the October 6 talks, all eyes are on Delhi to determine whether this moment will lead to resolution or mark yet another missed opportunity.
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