Leh, Ladakh: Tensions flared in Ladakh on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted in Leh during protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. The unrest left four people dead and nearly 70 injured, prompting Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to impose a district-wide curfew as a precautionary measure.
Violence Erupts Amid Statehood Agitation
Protests, which had been building over several months, spiraled out of control when demonstrators attacked police vehicles and the BJP headquarters in Leh. The mob reportedly pulled down party flags, set the BJP office ablaze, and torched several vehicles.
Security forces opened fire after violent crowds pelted stones and attempted to attack personnel. “The mob even tried to burn CRPF men inside their vehicle, and the vehicle of the DGP Ladakh was also targeted,” Lt Governor Gupta said.
He condemned the violence, blaming “those who instigated protests” for the deaths and destruction.
Allegations of Excessive Force
Local leaders, however, accused security forces of using disproportionate force against protesters. With several of the injured in critical condition, appeals for blood donations flooded social media platforms.
Official sources confirmed that both civilians and security personnel were among the injured.
A Growing Movement for Statehood
Since Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in August 2019, following the revocation of Article 370, demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards have grown louder. Initially welcomed by many in Leh, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, the UT status soon sparked discontent as residents began to feel politically sidelined under central rule.
Over the past three years, this unrest has united Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil under joint platforms such as the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance—a rare show of solidarity in the region.
Despite multiple rounds of talks, including a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this year, negotiations have collapsed without progress, deepening local frustrations.
Appeals for Calm
While clashes have scarred Leh, community leaders across Ladakh are urging restraint. Officials confirmed that the government is working to restore peace, even as curfew restrictions remain in place to prevent further violence.
The events mark one of the most serious escalations since Ladakh’s UT status, underscoring the deepening divide between local aspirations and central governance.