A massive protest broke out in Leh on Wednesday as hundreds of students and youth rallied behind climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The agitation, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing, turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police, torched vehicles, and pelted stones at the BJP office.
The unrest follows a 35-day hunger strike launched by Wangchuk and LAB leaders on September 10, aimed at pressuring the central government to resume stalled talks. Two hunger strikers were hospitalized on Tuesday, prompting the youth wing to call for a shutdown and mass mobilization.
“Our protest is peaceful, but people are growing tired. We don’t want anything to happen that may embarrass India,” Wangchuk said.
#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: BJP Office in Leh set on fire during a massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehoothe d and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with Police. https://t.co/yQTyrMUK7q pic.twitter.com/x4VqkV8tdd
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025
Security forces responded with tear gas and baton charges, and a CRPF vehicle was set ablaze. No injuries were reported, but tensions remain high. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the next round of talks with Ladakhi leaders on October 6, amid growing public impatience.
Political leaders and civil society groups have urged restraint and dialogue. Activists say the protest reflects deep frustration over the Union Territory’s governance model post-Article 370 and the lack of constitutional safeguards.