UPDATE: At least four people have been killed and dozens injured during violent protests in Ladakh as demonstrators demand statehood and local job quotas. The clash with police erupted on Wednesday, with reports of escalating violence marking a troubling day for the region.
Protesters, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, are calling for special status for Ladakh, which was stripped of its autonomy in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s government. The region, now directly administered by New Delhi, is seeking the establishment of elected local bodies to safeguard its tribal communities.
Late Wednesday, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that protests intensified following “provocative” speeches from Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10. Tensions erupted when a mob attacked political offices, set fire to the Leh chief executive councillor’s office, and damaged a police vehicle. The ministry stated that more than 30 police personnel sustained injuries during the chaos.
“Police had to resort to firing in self-defence, resulting in unfortunate casualties,” the ministry added. Eyewitness reports describe a chaotic scene, with protesters chanting and police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds.
In a poignant statement, Thupstan Tswang, chairman of the Leh Apex Body, expressed grief: “During this violence, 2-3 of our youth have died for our cause. We will not let their sacrifices go to waste.” His words reflect the deep emotional impact of the day’s events on the local community.
Wangchuk, addressing the violence, urged the youth to refrain from further aggression. “This is not a solution to Ladakh’s problem,” he stated, announcing the end of his hunger strike in light of the turmoil.
In response, Kavinder Gupta, Ladakh’s lieutenant governor, released a video urging for peace and an end to violence. Authorities have imposed bans on demonstrations and inflammatory speeches to restore order, according to district administrator Romil Singh Donk.
Ladakh is a strategically significant territory, sharing borders with both China and Pakistan. The Indian Home Ministry has been in discussions with local leaders since 2023 to address their demands, with the next round of talks scheduled for October 6.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The local community’s calls for justice and autonomy remain at the forefront, underscoring an urgent need for dialogue and resolution. This crisis reflects not only the political landscape but the profound human impact on the lives of those in Ladakh.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
