How the violence unfolded
The shutdown call was given by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been spearheading the demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. What began as a peaceful demonstration soon escalated when protesters allegedly set fire to vehicles and the local BJP office. Security personnel responded with teargas and firing to control the situation, resulting in casualties.
Officials confirmed that prohibitory orders have been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS). This restricts gatherings of five or more people to prevent further escalation. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk said the order was issued to protect public peace and safety, warning that violations would invite strict punitive action under Section 223 of BNS.
Protesters claimed that the deaths occurred due to police firing. Several videos from the ground showed chaos, with smoke billowing from vehicles set ablaze and demonstrators clashing with security forces. The administration has deployed additional reinforcements in Leh town to restore normalcy.
Sonam Wangchuk appeals for peace
Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike supporting the LAB’s demands, called off his protest in light of the violence. In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk urged the youth to end the violence, stating that unrest weakens their cause and risks destabilizing Ladakh and the country.
“I appeal to the youth to stop this nonsense. Violence only damages our movement,” he said, while expressing disappointment that his message of peaceful resistance had been ignored by some sections of protesters.
Why Ladakh is protesting
The demand for statehood has been simmering since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Many locals fear demographic changes, loss of land rights, and cultural dilution without constitutional protections. The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have jointly pressed for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which offers safeguards for tribal regions.
Discontent grew further after two hunger strikers were hospitalized on Tuesday, leading the LAB’s youth wing to intensify demonstrations. Wednesday’s violence marks the first major outbreak since the beginning of the protest wave earlier this month.
Political reactions
Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh expressed concern over the loss of lives. Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that Ladakh had not even been promised statehood during the 2019 reorganization, questioning how betrayed people of Jammu and Kashmir must feel in comparison. Opposition parties have demanded an impartial probe into the police action.
Looking ahead
The situation in Leh remains tense but under control, according to officials. Internet restrictions are likely to be imposed to prevent the spread of misinformation. Civil society groups have appealed to both protesters and the administration to exercise restraint and reopen dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Centre is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. With local sentiment hardening, pressure is mounting on the government to revisit Ladakh’s constitutional status and address long-pending demands of its residents.