Leh unrest: Restrictions persist amid Ladakh statehood protests

Leh unrest: Restrictions persist amid Ladakh statehood protests

LAB chief Thupstan Chhewang urged the Centre to swiftly address Ladakh’s demands for full statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, stressing urgent action as unrest and protests continue shaking the region.

SRINAGAR/LEH, Sept. 25, 2025: Tensions continued to grip Ladakh on Thursday as restrictions remained in place in violence-hit areas of Leh district, a day after massive protests for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned deadly. At least four people lost their lives and more than 80 were injured, some critically, during the clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Smoke and Chaos in Leh

On Wednesday, Leh town was engulfed in smoke and chaos as hundreds of protesters, largely youth, took to the streets demanding greater autonomy from the Indian government. Anger spilled over when clashes broke out with security personnel. The protests quickly turned violent, with mobs setting ablaze several buildings, including the local office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the CEC Leh Hill Council office, and multiple police and paramilitary vehicles. Private and government property was also targeted as frustration boiled over.

The images of black smoke rising from central Leh, usually a quiet Himalayan town, have shocked many across the region. For residents, it was the starkest reminder yet of the deep discontent that has been building since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Restrictions Imposed

In the aftermath of the violence, the administration imposed strict restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS). Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers across Leh district, with checkpoints set up and patrols intensified to prevent any further escalation.

Shops, business establishments, government offices, and educational institutions remained closed on Thursday. Daily life came to a complete standstill, as fear and uncertainty loomed large. The restrictions also extended to Kargil, where residents observed a shutdown in solidarity with the protesters in Leh.

A senior police official told reporters:

“The situation is under control and adequate security men have been deployed on the roads to maintain law and order and peace. Restrictions are being enforced strictly.”

The Protests and Demands

At the heart of the unrest are two long-standing demands: full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special protections and autonomy to tribal-dominated regions.

Youth groups, civil society members, and political organizations have argued that Ladakh’s unique culture, environment, and demographics require constitutional safeguards. Without them, they fear unchecked outside influence and exploitation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—two major organizations representing public sentiment—have been spearheading these demands. Leaders such as LAB chief Thupstan Chhewang have repeatedly called on the Centre to act swiftly, warning that public patience is wearing thin.

A Community in Anguish

Wednesday’s violence has left the community shaken. Families mourn the dead, while hospitals in Leh continue to treat dozens of injured protesters, some of whom remain in critical condition. Civil society voices have urged restraint on both sides, calling for dialogue instead of confrontation.

Residents in Leh describe an atmosphere of both grief and defiance. “We want peace, but we also want justice for Ladakh,” said one shopkeeper, standing outside his shuttered store. “Our young men are risking their lives because no one in Delhi is listening.”

The Road Ahead

The deaths of four protesters mark one of the most serious flashpoints in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory. The Centre now faces mounting pressure to open talks with local leaders and address the growing unrest before the situation spirals further.

Analysts say the government’s response in the coming days will be crucial. Heavy-handed crackdowns may restore temporary order but risk deepening resentment. Meaningful dialogue on statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, however, could pave the way for a sustainable resolution.

For now, Leh remains under tight security, its streets unusually quiet after a day of flames and fury. But beneath that uneasy calm, the demands of Ladakh’s people remain unresolved—and their voices, louder than ever.