LADAKH UNREST:

CHALLENGE IN THE HIMALAYAS

ANUJA KHUSHU

As tensions rise in India’s northernmost Union Territory, the Centre calls for peace while protesters demand constitutional guarantees and statehood. Is this the beginning of a political awakening or a crisis spiralling out of control?

The mountain air of Leh, usually carrying the scent of juniper and prayer, was thick with smoke and tension last week as Ladakh witnessed one of the most volatile moments in its post-2019 history.

What began as a hunger strike led by Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent environmentalist and educator, erupted into street protests, clashes, and, ultimately, violence. Four people died and dozens injured. Curfew in place. The internet has been suspended. Leh is boiling.

The protests had been called by the Leh Apex Body in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a 35-day fast to press for Ladakh’s long-standing demands.

On September 24, the scene outside the NDS Memorial Ground in Leh was unlike any in recent memory. Large crowds of young people, many draped in Ladakhi flags, chanted slogans, marched through the city, and called for “justice” and “protection for our land and identity.” Tensions escalated quickly.

Witnesses say the crowd turned agitated after news spread that two elderly participants in the hunger strike, had collapsed and were rushed to the hospital. In a matter of hours, Leh, usually a picture of serenity, was engulfed in chaos.

A government vehicle was set on fire. Stone pelting began. The local BJP office was damaged. Tear gas was fired. Baton charges followed. By evening, the police opened fire, claiming it was necessary to control the crowd.   

A curfew was immediately imposed across the city. Schools were shut and mobile internet services were suspended to prevent misinformation and further mobilisation.

The Union Home Ministry responded swiftly, condemning the violence but reaffirming its commitment to Ladakh’s development and cultural protection.

“The Government of India remains open to dialogue. Several steps have already been taken, including raising ST reservation, recognising local languages, and empowering women in governance,” read the official statement.

Meanwhile, the violence in Leh erupted just days before an October 6 meeting planned between the Union Home Ministry and Ladakh representatives.

Prohibitory orders imposed across Leh:

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 five or more people, to prevent further unrest.

“As notice cannot be served individually, this order is being passed ex parte. Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 223 of BNS,” stated the orders by Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk.

What Has Been Offered So Far:

Authorities pointed to these developments:

ST reservations raised from 45% to 84%

One-third reservation for women in Hill Development Councils

Official recognition for Bhoti and Purgi languages

Ongoing recruitment to thousands of government jobs

Establishment of a High-Powered Committee to deliberate local demands

Many feel that after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation from Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, Ladakh was left in a legal grey area. “We became a Union Territory, but not one with a legislature. So we lost political power. Now, we want that power back,” said a youth from Leh.

Ladakh isn’t just a remote Himalayan outpost. It’s a strategic frontier, bordering both China and Pakistan, and hosting some of India’s most sensitive military zones. It’s also a global tourist destination and home to some of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.

But beneath its geopolitical and ecological value lies a cultural soul, a blend of Tibetan Buddhism, Shia Islam, tribal traditions, and high-altitude survival. Locals fear that without constitutional safeguards, this soul will be lost to rapid commercialisation and unregulated development.

“We’ve already seen outsiders interests buying land, eyeing glaciers, and trying to reshape our traditions. If we don’t act now, it might be too late,” warned Wangchuk during his fast.

Demands: What Ladakh Seeks?

The protesters’ demands are multiple; they interlink political, constitutional, ecological, economic justice. These include:

1.      Statehood for Ladakh
Elevate Ladakh from a Union Territory directly administered by New Delhi to a full state, with its own state legislature and more autonomy

2.      Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule
Under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, regions with tribal majorities have protection over land, natural resources, and the right to self‑governance through Autonomous District Councils or equivalent institutions. Ladakh is seeking similar constitutional safeguards

3.      Job Quotas / Employment Security
Youth unemployment has been a flashpoint. Locals demand priority in government jobs, promises fulfilled, recruitment accelerated

4.      Protection of Environment and Natural Resources
Ladakh’s ecology, fragile glaciers, dry cold deserts, limited water, high altitude ecology, is under stress from militarization, tourism, unregulated development, mining. Local communities want stronger environmental regulation, protection of land, water sources, and local capability to manage their natural resources

5.      Democratic Representation / Local Governance
Stronger structures of local governance, greater say in how affairs of Ladakh are run, through bodies like the Hill Council or comparable structures, elected rather than appointed, with real powers mattering

6.       Language and cultural protections: Recognition and preservation of Ladakhi identity.  

Leh violence ‘engineered’, not spontaneous: Sources

New Delhi: Senior government sources have strongly alleged that the September 24 violence in Leh was not a spontaneous uprising but a deliberately orchestrated event, with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused of playing a central role in misleading youth for “narrow political and personal motives.”

In background briefings to the media and in statements attributed to government officials, it has been revealed that the Centre had already scheduled a High-Powered Committee (HPC) meeting for October 6 to address the long-standing demands of the Apex Body of Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), including concerns related to statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

“Despite agreeing to the new HPC members as suggested by ABL and keeping talks flexible, even considering preponement to September 25 or 26, violence was incited. Why was this done when talks were clearly on the table?” a senior official said, requesting anonymity.

The official said Wangchuk’s past speeches, especially those referencing the Arab Spring and recent youth-led agitations in Nepal, now appear to be a “deliberate strategy” to create unrest in the otherwise peaceful region.

“He’s long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring-style protest. Was this about Ladakh, or was it a smokescreen to cover up personal irregularities now surfacing in investigations?” the official asked.

Sources have also alleged that some statements by Congress leaders during the build-up to the protests seemed “too coordinated”, including suggestions to stone-pelting, shutdowns, and arson.

“They sounded less like concerns and more like instructions. The speed and scale of the violence indicate prior planning, not organic dissent,” said the official, adding that “the episode smacks of a larger conspiracy.”

Human Cost:  

JAMMU: While politics churns and demands are tabled, human lives have borne the brunt: Among the deceased are youths in their late teens and twenties; a man aged 46 is also reported among them,  and in addition to physical injury, protests and curfews disrupt daily life: loss of work, schools shut, shops closed, movement restricted.    

The Road Ahead: Uncertain But Crucial

As Ladakh waits for clarity, the path forward remains uncertain. The arrest of a prominent activist, the blackout of communication, and the government stance have raised troubling questions about the space for peaceful protest and dialogue.

Whether this movement leads to meaningful constitutional reform or deepens the mistrust between Ladakh and New Delhi will depend not just on legal proceedings or security measures, but on political will and the willingness of people to listen.

Sonam Wangchuk’s arrested under NSA, shifted to Jodhpur jail

JAMMU: On September 26, 2025, activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Ladakh Police and charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).  

His fast and subsequent speeches referencing the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen Z protests were seen as provocative by the government, which alleged that his actions incited the violent protests in Leh.

Wangchuk was apprehended just before a scheduled press conference via Google Meet and was subsequently transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail, located over 1,000 kilometers from Ladakh. The Union Territory administration has also imposed a mobile internet blackout in Leh as a precautionary measure.

Speaking shortly before his arrest, he said: “I never wanted this. I always asked the youth to stay peaceful. But I cannot ignore the pain in their voices. They are not miscreants. They are frustrated citizens. Arresting me won’t silence Ladakh.”

The Home Ministry has accused Wangchuk of inciting the unrest through provocative statements and actions by politically motivated groups. Wangchuk, a prominent member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been leading a five-year-long agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards for the residents of Leh and Kargil. He has denied the allegations and condemned the violence.

In a related development, the government revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of Wangchuk’s organisation, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing multiple discrepancies in its accounts, including a fund transfer from Sweden deemed against the “national interest.” 

LG Kavinder Gupta condemns violence 

Appeals for peace and unity

JAMMU: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has strongly condemned the recent violence in the region and appealed to all communities and political parties to maintain peace, unity, and social harmony. Expressing deep anguish over the loss of lives, he called for collective responsibility in restoring normalcy.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” the LG said. “I appeal to religious communities and political parties to identify those responsible for creating chaos and help stop them. We must all come together to make Ladakh a peaceful place for all.”

Taking serious note of incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and destruction of public property, Gupta directed law enforcement and district administration officials to take firm and immediate actionto restore order and protect citizens.

“Violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the LG said. “Those involved in this heart-wrenching incident will be brought to justice and dealt with strictly as per the law.”

Gupta emphasiSed that democratic institutions and public infrastructure must be protected, and warned against attempts to derail peace through unlawful actions.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and not be misled by disruptive elements seeking to disturb the region’s social fabric.

“Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence,” he said. “I urge every citizen to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s people, LG Gupta assured that all genuine demands will be considered in a fair and timely manner.

“The administration remains fully dedicated to preserving the interests of Ladakh while ensuring inclusive development, progress, and security for all,” he concluded.

 Wangchuk under probe for foreign links: DGP Jamwal

Jammu: Following unprecedented violence in Ladakh’s capital, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. Authorities allege that Wangchuk was involved in inciting violence and is under investigation for links to a Pakistani intelligence operative, foreign funding violations, and subversive activities.

Addressing the media, Ladakh DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal revealed that police had recently arrested a Pakistani intelligence officer who was allegedly in contact with Wangchuk and had shared protest footage across the border. Wangchuk’s attendance at a Dawn-hosted event in Pakistan and visits to Bangladesh were also deemed suspicious.

“His references to the Arab Spring and youth-led agitations in Nepal and Sri Lanka show a pattern of calculated provocation,” Jamwal said. “The matter is still under investigation, including possible FCRA violations and other foreign links.”

“The investigation has unearthed disturbing links, including the role of a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) who had been sharing videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border,” said DGP Jamwal.

Describing Wangchuk as the key person behind violence , Jamwal said “What has been found in the investigation (against Wangchuk) cannot be disclosed at this moment. The process is going on and if you look at his profile and history, it is all available on YouTube. His speech worked as instigation as he talked about the Arab spring and the recent unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. “He had his own agenda. There is a probe of foreign funding, violation of FCRA against him. We have a PIO with us who was reporting across the border, sending videos of the protests led by Wangchuk,’’ Jamwal said.

Authorities accused Wangchuk of exploiting public sentiment and the ongoing demands for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status, claiming he deliberately disrupted the atmosphere ahead of a planned informal dialogue between Ladakh representatives and the Centre.

The DGP also cited Wangchuk’s participation in international events, including one hosted by The Dawn in Pakistan and visits to Bangladesh, labeling them as “suspicious.”

According to police, approximately 6,000 persons participated in the violent protests, which saw government buildings, political party offices, vehicles, and the Secretariat attacked and set on fire.

To a question on foreign conspiracy in violence, he said three Nepal citizens were admitted to the hospital with bullet injuries and involvement of some others has also come to light.

He said, in all, 50 people have been taken detained in connection with violence, including at least six suspected ringleaders.

At least, half-a-dozen of them are suspected to be ringleaders, he said. “Obviously, Wangchuk, who was the main instigator, has been lodged in an outside jail,” the DGP said.

“The violence aimed to create anarchy. Our forces were left with no option but to open fire in self-defence to prevent Leh from burning down entirely,” said Jamwal, who himself sustained minor injuries during the unrest.

He, however, dismissed the allegation by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, the bodies which have been spearheading the agitation for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status that forces fired indiscriminately, saying that it was done only in self-defence and to prevent a larger flare-up. “If you look at the footage and the conditions in which our forces performed, they did a highly commendable job. I salute them for bringing the situation under control by 4 pm after the violence started around noon,” the DGP said.

Among those injured were 70 to 80 CRPF and Ladakh Police personnel, including one CRPF officer with a serious spinal injury.

He, further, said an investigation is also underway into his alleged foreign funding violations. “The FCRA violation is a clear-cut case; it will be investigated by another agency,” said the DGP.

Curfew continues in Leh

JAMMU:  Curfew continued in Leh town for the sixth consecutive day, as tensions persist following last week’s violent protests. According to officials, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta is expected to chair a high-level security review meeting to assess the situation and consider phased relaxation of restrictions.

Heavy deployment of police, CRPF, and ITBP personnel remains in place across curfew-bound zones. ITBP units carried out a flag march on Sunday morning to maintain public order and discourage further unrest.

While the overall atmosphere remains peaceful and authorities had allowed relaxation in a phased manner to allow residents access to essential services.

The curfew was imposed on September 24, following deadly clashes that erupted amid growing anger and frustration among Ladakhi youth over the five-year stalemate in negotiations with the Central government regarding demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Centre open to dialogue with Ladakh bodies: MHA

Peace & stability are priority in Ladakh: LG Kavinder Gupta

ANUJA KHUSHU

Leh, Sep 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday reiterated that the Centre remains open to dialogue on Ladakh issues with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time, affirming that the doors will always remain open.

In an official statement, the MHA said, “The Government has always welcomed dialogue on Ladakh matters with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). We will continue to encourage discussions through the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh or any other suitable platform.”

The ministry highlighted the positive outcomes of the dialogue mechanism established through the HPC, citing increased reservations for the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, the introduction of women’s reservation in the LAHDCs, and the protection of local languages. “Recruitment for 1,800 government posts in the Union Territory of Ladakh has already commenced,” the statement added. “We are confident that ongoing dialogue will yield the desired results soon.”

Earlier in the day, the LAB announced its withdrawal from talks with the Centre scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi, demanding a judicial inquiry into last week’s violence and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.

On September 24, protests over statehood demands, led by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, turned violent, resulting in attacks on offices and the burning of the BJP office. Security personnel opened fire, leaving four dead and over 50 injured. Following the violence, restrictions were imposed in the town, which are now being gradually relaxed. The situation has remained calm since.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday to assess the law and order situation in the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Additional Director General of CRPF Rajesh Kumar, along with senior Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officers.

Officials briefed the LG on recent developments, preparedness, and coordination among agencies to maintain peace. LG Gupta praised the responsible behavior of the people, noting their cooperation in maintaining calm during a sensitive period. “The people of Ladakh have shown remarkable maturity, restraint, and commitment to peace even in challenging circumstances. Their patience and cooperation reflect the true spirit of harmony that defines our region,” he said.

Acknowledging the efforts of security forces, police, and local administration, the LG urged officials to stay vigilant, responsive, and people-friendly. He stressed that law and order must be enforced firmly yet sensitively, keeping the welfare and sentiments of the local population in mind.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed enhanced intelligence gathering, regular community engagement, and prompt resolution of public grievances to strengthen trust between the administration and citizens. He appealed to the youth to channel their energies towards constructive nation-building, assuring that all legitimate concerns would be addressed through dialogue and democratic means.

Addressing the people of Ladakh, LG Gupta said, “Peace is the cornerstone of development. I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity, and progress.”

Ladakh’s crisis demands a middle path: Stobdan

THE CHANCELLOR

New Delhi: Strategic affairs expert and former diplomat Phunchok Stobdan, in an interview with national news agency, spoke on the recent violence that shook the region, its underlying causes, and the complex socio-political challenges facing Ladakh today.

Asked about the trigger point behind the violence and the possibility of external forces being involved, Stobdan referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) statement. “The MHA has clarified that the unrest was instigated by certain elements, even naming the person responsible. There is little more to elaborate on that. It is an unfortunate incident that occurred on the 24th, but the situation is now under control,” he said.

On the role of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk in the unrest,  Stobdan offered a measured perspective. “He is an individual and not a representative of the people of Ladakh. He belongs to an NGO. The media and others have amplified his importance, which is problematic in a democracy where unaccountable individuals can wield disproportionate influence. That said, what he does or doesn’t do is difficult to fully assess.”

Stobdan highlighted the core issues leading to the unrest. “After the abrogation of Article 370, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature or protections like Article 35A. The people of Ladakh have long demanded greater self-governance, similar to the tribal councils in the Northeast under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where they can decide their development and governance through autonomous assemblies.”

He lamented government delays: “The government has been slow to respond, finding it difficult to agree on these demands for constitutional and technical reasons. Despite warnings, there has been a tendency to address such crises only after violence erupts, which is an old habit.”

When questioned about Ladakh’s sensitive border location near China and Pakistan, Stobdan acknowledged the challenges but urged not to overstate the border factor. “Yes, proximity to China and Pakistan complicates matters. These neighbors are undoubtedly watching the situation closely. But border sensitivity alone isn’t unique, other Indian states also share borders. The complexity here also comes from the region’s layered history, culture, and geography, including proximity to Xinjiang and Tibet.”

Discussing potential resolutions, he advocated for exploring constitutional measures: “A middle path could involve a Sikkim-like formula under Article 371A, granting a degree of autonomy, or provisions under the Fifth Schedule. Alternatively, the existing Ladakh Autonomous Councils in Leh and Kargil could be empowered with greater legislative powers. The government appears to be considering such options, but delays remain a key issue.”

Regarding reports linking Sonam Wangchuk to instigation, Stobdan said, “There are media claims that cannot be independently verified. He has been active for a long time and has made statements calling for significant political changes, but the government has not taken enough preventive action to address such narratives.”

He dismissed suggestions linking recent violence to movements in Nepal or elsewhere as speculative. “Such debates and narratives are longstanding and have not suddenly emerged.”

On the present mood in Ladakh, Stobdan expressed cautious optimism: “The people of Ladakh are generally peaceful, mostly Buddhists, and the factor of instigation remains unconfirmed officially. Restrictions remain in place under Section 144, and funerals are being held peacefully. Dialogue between the Centre and Ladakh representatives has resumed, with the next meeting scheduled soon.”

Asked about demands for statehood,  Stobdan was pragmatic. “Granting statehood to a population of around three lakh is not feasible economically or demographically. Without a viable revenue base or industry, dependency on central subsidies would increase, limiting autonomy.”

He also highlighted Ladakh’s complex demographics. “Over 50% of Ladakh’s population are Shia Muslims. The demand for autonomy or statehood involves anthropological and historical considerations, not just political or constitutional ones. Unlike tribal groups in the Northeast, Ladakhis do not fit neatly into existing constitutional categories, adding to the government’s dilemma.”

Stobdan concluded with hope for a solution: “A resolution is possible, though it may not meet all local expectations. The government must balance constitutional constraints, regional security, and the aspirations of Ladakh’s diverse communities.”