Massive protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule erupted in Leh on Wednesday, turning violent as protesters clashed with police. Authorities fired teargas and used baton charges to disperse the crowd.
The BJP office was vandalised and set on fire, along with a police vehicle. The unrest followed a shutdown called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body after two hunger strikers were hospitalised. The protests come days ahead of scheduled talks between Ladakh representatives and the government on October 6 to discuss these demands.
Following clashes with police during statehood protests in Leh, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued a plea for peace. Wangchuk urged protestors to end the violence, stating that it damages the cause. “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,” he said on X.
Violent Youth-Led Demonstrations in Leh
The youth wing of the Leh Apex Body called the protests following the hospitalisation of hunger strikers after a 35-day fast pressing for statehood and constitutional safeguards via the Sixth Schedule. Hundreds of young protestors gathered, demanding protection of land, employment, and greater autonomy.
Clashes escalated with stone pelting and arson, including the burning of the BJP office and a police vehicle. Police responded with teargas and baton charges, with additional forces deployed to restore order and prevent further violence.
Background of the Movement
Following Ladakh’s designation as a Union Territory in 2019 after Article 370 was abrogated, local political groups have been advocating for full statehood and Sixth Schedule protections which provide tribal areas autonomous governance.
Protesters highlight that over 90% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes and therefore merits similar constitutional safeguards as in Northeast India. The protests reflect deepening frustration over perceived delays in dialogue and lack of concrete commitments by the Central government.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stresses the importance of peaceful dialogue, empathy, and respect for democratic dissent in resolving Ladakh’s demands for autonomy and statehood.
Violence undermines the democratic process and delays meaningful solutions. We call on the government to engage transparently with Ladakh’s representatives and communities to build trust and deliver on constitutional promises.
