BJP office set ablaze, CRPF vehicle torched, police foil attempt to torch secretariat
PP NEWS LINE DESK : LEH, Sept 24: At least four people were killed and more than 70 others injured on Wednesday as protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent in Leh.
Confirming the deaths of 4 civilians, Chering Dorjey, the Chairman Leh Apex Body told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that there was intense firing in the town in which scores sustained injuries and four persons have died so for.
The agitation, called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), escalated sharply after two hunger strike participants were shifted to hospital due to deteriorating health. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day fast since September 10, ended his hunger strike on Tuesday, but tension mounted as a group of youngsters pelted stones, prompting police action.
Authorities said protesters later resorted to arson, setting ablaze the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and torching a security vehicle parked outside. Police used teargas shells and baton charges to disperse the mobs. The Union Territory administration responded by imposing an immediate ban on protests and gatherings in Leh, with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita enforced to maintain law and order.
Officials confirmed that additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest. Hospitals in Leh reported receiving dozens of injured people throughout the day, with some cases requiring intensive care.
The violence overshadowed the conclusion of the two-day annual Ladakh Festival, which was called off midway. The administration expressed regret, citing “unavoidable circumstances,” and apologised to local artists, cultural troupes, and tourists who had gathered for the event.
Addressing his supporters, Sonam Wangchuk urged for calm and restraint. “I request the youth to stop arson and clashes. We are ending our fast, and I urge the administration to stop using tear gas. No hunger strike succeeds if lives are lost in violence,” he said.
The demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards have been a long-standing issue in Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. While Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory directly under New Delhi’s control, locals have repeatedly argued that the region needs special protections to safeguard its fragile ecology, unique cultural identity, and tribal population.
The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing political, religious, and social groups, have stood united on these demands. Both organisations are scheduled to meet the central government in New Delhi on October 6 for a fresh round of talks. Protesters, however, are pressing for the date to be advanced, pointing to the prolonged hunger strikes and rising public anger.
“For years, the people of Ladakh have raised these demands peacefully. The recent unrest reflects frustration at the lack of progress,” a political commentator in Leh observed.
The deaths and large number of injuries have deepened concerns over the fragile law-and-order situation in the Union Territory. Local voices have called on both the administration and the protesting groups to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful.
The day’s violence has not only left a scar on Leh but also added urgency to the upcoming talks with the Centre. With both the LAB and KDA firm on their stand, the October 6 meeting is expected to be a critical test of New Delhi’s willingness to engage meaningfully with Ladakh’s demands.
However, the ongoing agitation in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule entered its 14th day on Wednesday, with tensions flaring in Leh after two women protesters fell ill and had to be hospitalised.
The protesters, identified as Sri Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, collapsed during the demonstration and were rushed to a nearby hospital. The incident provoked unrest among the gathering, leading to stone pelting at the Leh Hill Council building. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to control the situation, which officials described as tense but under control.
The protest is being spearheaded by the people of Ladakh which have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. Organisers said the central government has set October 6 as the date for a decision on the matter, but the protesters are demanding an earlier resolution. “Our demand is immediate action. The people of Ladakh cannot wait any longer,” one protesting leader said.
Sajad Kargali, a member of the organising committee in Kargil, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that Kargil will observe a complete shutdown tomorrow, on Thursday in support of the agitation. “The movement is gaining momentum. Tomorrow, Kargil will remain shut to show solidarity and send a strong message to New Delhi,” he said.
Over the past two weeks, the protest has drawn large crowds, with men, women and youth actively participating. Protesters continue to demand constitutional safeguards and political rights for Ladakh, while authorities have kept security arrangements tight around sensitive buildings and protest sites.
The demonstrations, initially in solidarity with hunger strikers who had been fasting for nearly two weeks, quickly spiraled out of control when the crowd attempted to storm and set fire to the Leh Hill Council Secretariat.
According to reports from the ground, thousands of protesters carrying placards and banners marched towards the Secretariat, raising slogans against the administration and demanding that their grievances be addressed. Witnesses said that as the protest swelled in numbers, a section of the crowd became unruly and tried to torch the Hill Council Secretariat building. Fire and emergency personnel rushed to the scene and managed to contain the blaze before it spread, though the building reportedly sustained partial damage.
The situation worsened when protesters clashed with police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the area. Eyewitnesses told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that in the heat of the confrontation, an angry mob set ablaze a CRPF vehicle. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, leading to chaos in the streets. Several youths were reportedly detained, though officials have not released exact numbers.
The clashes have intensified fears among locals that anger could erupt again if the administration fails to take immediate measures. “The mood is tense, and people are frustrated. Any small spark could push the situation out of control,” said one local elder in Leh.
The Apex Body has been spearheading a hunger strike that has now entered its third week. During this period, the health of two participants, a 72-year-old Chhering Angchok and 60-year-old Doma, deteriorated severely due to prolonged fasting. Both were rushed to hospital for treatment. News of their condition sparked widespread outrage across Ladakh, drawing more people into the protest movement.
Political circles have also weighed in, adding to the heated atmosphere. The Leh District Congress Committee councillors, addressing a press conference today, openly criticized the administration and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of ignoring public concerns. “Instead of listening to the genuine demands of the people, the government is trying to crush the protest with force. This is unacceptable,” said one Congress councillor.
The Apex Body leadership, in fresh appeals made today, urged the public to remain steadfast in their movement. They called upon youth, in particular, to come out in greater numbers and strengthen the protests. Social and civic organizations in Ladakh also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation, demanding that the hunger strike be treated as a people’s cause rather than a fringe movement.
Observers note that today’s events mark one of the most serious escalations since the hunger strike began, raising alarms over stability in the region. The administration has so far maintained silence on whether any negotiations are underway, though police officials confirmed that security measures have been tightened in and around Leh town.
With tempers running high and public anger mounting, many fear the coming days could see further unrest unless the government makes a concrete intervention. For now, Leh remains under a shadow of uncertainty, with the hunger strike continuing and the Apex Body vowing to intensify their agitation until their demands are met. The main demands are the implementation of Sixth Schedule and the statehood to the Ladakh.
Meanwhile DM Leh imposes Section 163 of the BNS in the district. No procession, rally, or march shall be carried out without prior approval. No one shall make statements that have the potential to disturb public tranquility or lead to a law-and-order problem.
