Protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and more than 50 injured.
The demonstrations, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), turned violent after clashes with security forces, prompting prohibitory orders in Leh and deployment of extra paramilitary troops.
The Union Home Ministry alleged that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had instigated the crowd through provocative remarks. The BJP also accused the Congress of fuelling the unrest, naming a local councillor as an instigator. Wangchuk, who ended his 15-day hunger strike the same day, appealed for peace, saying Ladakh’s fight “is for survival, not violence.”
Opposition leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, criticised the Centre for failing to address Ladakh’s concerns. CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami said the unrest was the result of “unmet promises and prolonged silence from Delhi.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled fresh talks with LAB and KDA on October 6.
Elsewhere, Kolkata recorded its heaviest rainfall in 37 years, killing at least 12 people, while economists expect the RBI to hold the repo rate at 5.5% at its upcoming policy review.
For Ladakh, the day underscored the growing urgency of its demand. Six years after being carved into a Union Territory, the region continues to seek constitutional protections to safeguard its fragile ecology, culture, and identity.
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