The serene Himalayan region of Ladakh witnessed its worst violence in recent memory as the agitation for statehood spiralled into violence on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and at least 45 others injured, including 22 police personnel. The Ladakh protests turned violent when demonstrators demanding full statehood clashed with security forces in Leh, transforming peaceful demonstrations into deadly confrontations that shook the Union Territory.
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Escalation of Violence in Leh
The Ladakh protests turned violent after months of peaceful demonstrations reached a boiling point on September 24, 2025. Reports and videos circulating on social media showed hundreds of youths pouring onto the streets of Leh on Wednesday morning, accusing the Central government of ‘denying Ladakh its rights’. What began as organised protests quickly deteriorated into widespread unrest across the region’s capital.
Clashes escalated with stone pelting and arson, including the burning of the BJP office and a police vehicle. The intensity of the violence caught authorities off guard, prompting the immediate deployment of additional security forces to restore order. Police fired teargas shells and carried out baton charges on Wednesday after a group of youths allegedly turned violent during a protest and shutdown in Leh.
Casualties and Immediate Impact
The situation became dire as the Ladakh protests turned violent, resulting in significant casualties. Over 30 people were injured in intense clashes. As per the protestors, the four persons were killed in police firing. However, casualty figures remain disputed, with a local activist who has been on hunger strike seeking more power for the region telling media that three to five people are believed to have been killed in police gunfire.
Medical facilities in Leh were overwhelmed as injured protesters and security personnel were rushed for treatment. Officials warned that the toll could rise further as several of the injured remain in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the confrontations when Ladakh protests turn violent.
Catalyst: Deteriorating Health of Hunger Strikers
The immediate trigger that caused the Ladakh protests to turn violent was the deteriorating health of two hunger strikers — Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60) — who had been on a 35-day fast since September 10. They were shifted to the hospital on Tuesday evening, sparking anger among supporters. This development inflamed emotions among protesters who viewed the hospitalisation as evidence of government indifference to their demands.
Tensions spiralled after Tsering Angchuk, 72, and Tashi Dolma, 60, were hospitalised after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday. This led to concern among the LAB constituents who urged the Centre to advance the talks. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council had been pressing for expedited dialogue with New Delhi regarding statehood and constitutional protections.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Response
As Ladakh protests turn violent, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been leading a parallel hunger strike, took immediate action to de-escalate the situation. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 15-day hunger strike and urged everyone to maintain peace in the Union territory, saying the violence will only damage their demand for statehood.
Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast represented a crucial moment in the movement, as he recognised that continued violence could undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Ladakhi people. His appeal for peace came at a time when the region desperately needed calm voices to prevent further escalation.
Government Response and Security Measures
Faced with unprecedented unrest as Ladakh protests turned violent, authorities implemented emergency measures to restore order. In view of the escalating situation, the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), effectively banning the assembly of people. These orders represented the most stringent security measures imposed in Ladakh in recent years.
Additional paramilitary forces were deployed throughout Leh to prevent further violence. The administration also cancelled several scheduled events and festivals to maintain peace, demonstrating the serious nature of the situation when Ladakh protests turn violent.
Historical Context of Statehood Demands
The current violence stems from long-standing grievances that intensified after Ladakh’s reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. In August 2019, a reorganisation act was passed by the Parliament of India, which contained provisions to reconstitute Ladakh as a union territory, separate from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir, on 31 October 2019. Since then, demands for full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution have grown stronger.
Local leaders argue that Union Territory status has reduced their autonomy and decision-making power over local affairs. The demand for Sixth Schedule protection stems from concerns about preserving Ladakhi culture, environment, and demographic composition in the strategically important border region.
Political Ramifications
Political RamificationsThe fact that Ladakh protests turn violent carries significant political implications for the region and the central government. The targeting of BJP offices during the violence reflects growing disillusionment with the ruling party’s policies toward Ladakh. The protestors, many of them young students, shouted slogans demanding full statehood for Ladakh, indicating broad-based support across different age groups.
The involvement of students and youth in the protests suggests that the statehood movement has deep roots in Ladakhi society and is not merely a political creation. This generational support poses challenges for any long-term resolution of the crisis.
Road Ahead and Peace Efforts
As the immediate crisis subsides, the challenge lies in preventing future instances where Ladakh protests turn violent. The central government faces pressure to engage meaningfully with local representatives and address legitimate concerns about autonomy and constitutional protections.
Sonam Wangchuk’s call for peace, despite ending his hunger strike, provides an opportunity for dialogue between various stakeholders. The tragedy of September 24 serves as a stark reminder that political grievances, if left unaddressed, can explode into violence that serves no one’s interests.
The path forward requires genuine engagement, understanding of local aspirations, and a commitment from all parties to pursue their objectives through peaceful means. Only through such an approach can Ladakh avoid future situations where protests turn violent and instead channel legitimate demands through constructive dialogue.
