Leh was on edge on Wednesday as protests over Ladakh’s demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule spiraled into violent clashes, leaving at least four dead and more than 65 injured. The unrest, which began as a peaceful agitation led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, took a violent turn when crowds stormed the BJP’s Leh office, torching the building and two vehicles parked inside.
The chaos unfolded late Wednesday morning when youth protesters pelted stones at police and CRPF personnel. Security forces retaliated with tear gas shells and live rounds, leaving many with pellet injuries. Sonam Nurboo Memorial Hospital received dozens of casualties, with doctors confirming the severity of wounds.
The violence has forced Wangchuk to abruptly end his hunger strike on its 15th day, cutting short what was intended as a 35-day campaign. The activist expressed shock at the bloodshed, even as the Centre accused him of fueling the agitation with “provocative statements.”
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced an immediate curfew across Leh, alleging that “vested interests” had conspired to derail the ongoing dialogue between Ladakhi groups and the Centre. Authorities also invoked Section 163 of the BNS, banning rallies and marches to prevent further escalation.
Anger had been simmering for weeks after talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs were pushed to October 6, despite repeated pleas by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance to fast-track the dialogue. A shutdown call earlier this week further intensified public frustration, especially after two elderly hunger strikers collapsed and required hospitalization.
By evening, the Union Home Ministry claimed the situation had been brought under control, cautioning against the circulation of old or provocative videos on social media. Officials insisted that “politically motivated individuals” were attempting to sabotage the high-powered committee’s progress.
For now, Leh remains under tight curfew, its streets patrolled by heavy security. But with negotiations still nearly two weeks away, the anger that erupted in flames outside the BJP’s office risks smoldering further in the hearts of Ladakhis who feel ignored at the Centre.
