Ladakh Unrest: Leh Protests Turn Violent, BJP Office And Police Van Torched By Protesters Amid Statehood, Sixth Schedule Status Demand

Protests erupted in Leh on Wednesday (24 September) as demonstrators clashed with police, set a police vehicle on fire, and torched the BJP office in the city, The Times of India reported.

The unrest marks a sharp escalation in agitation that has been building over the past weeks.

The protest was called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to show solidarity with environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 14 days demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory.

Talks with the Home Ministry over these demands have been stalled.

On 20 September, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced the resumption of discussions with Ladakhi leadership, with the next round scheduled for 6 October.

Earlier, a high-powered committee had been formed on 2 January 2023, following prolonged protests led by LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), both of which have long sought statehood and Sixth Schedule recognition.

Sajad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Front, reacted to the violence on social media, saying: “Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration & insecurity due to Govt’s failed UT experiment. The onus lies on the Govt—resume dialogue, act sensibly & fulfill Ladakh’s demand for Statehood & Sixth Schedule without delay. Also I appeal people to remain peaceful and steadfast.”

The last round of talks between the committee and the joint leadership of LAB and KDA was held on 27 May, following the introduction of a domicile policy in Ladakh after the abrogation of Article 370.

Since then, no discussions have taken place, fueling mounting frustration among local residents.

Wankchuk said that the youths are frustrated because the health of two people fasting with him deteriorated, and they were rushed to the hospital yesterday.

He called them their supporters but denied his involvement in the protest.

He also urged them to remain peaceful but hinted that the protest may happen again if the government remain insensitive to their demands.

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