The BRICS TimesViolence over Ladakh’s statehood demand shook Leh on Wednesday, leaving four dead, dozens injured, and government offices set ablaze.
The Union government on Wednesday held activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for sparking violent unrest in Ladakh. Officials alleged that his “provocative remarks” and references to “Arab Spring-style” protests pushed the situation toward chaos. The Centre also accused some “politically motivated” figures of trying to derail ongoing talks between Delhi and Ladakhi representatives.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the situation was brought under control by 4 pm after several early incidents of violence. The ministry appealed to citizens not to spread old videos or inflammatory clips on media platforms, stressing that such content only adds fuel to tensions.
The demand for Ladakh’s statehood escalated sharply in Leh on Wednesday, as protests turned violent. Clashes, arson, and attacks led to four deaths, nearly 80 injuries, and damage to public property. Security forces also confirmed that 30 personnel were among the injured.
Centre’s statement on Leh clashes
The home ministry pointed out that Wangchuk began a hunger strike on September 10, pressing for Sixth Schedule rights and statehood for Ladakh. It highlighted that the government had been engaging directly with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance through both official and informal channels.
Officials mentioned that talks under the high-powered committee had delivered results. These included expanding reservations for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh from 45 to 84 percent, introducing one-third seats for women in local councils, and granting official language status to Bhoti and Purgi. They also said recruitment for 1,800 posts in Ladakh had already begun.
However, the Centre claimed that “some politically driven individuals” were dissatisfied with these developments and deliberately tried to block progress. The MHA said in a statement, “The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.”
Violence in Leh
The ministry said that on September 24, around 11:30 am, “a mob instigated by (Wangchuk’s) provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as the Government office of the CEC Leh.” It added that the mob torched offices, set a police vehicle on fire, and even clashed with security personnel.
The Centre alleged that the crowd had been “incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements.” The statement also noted that Wangchuk broke his fast during the chaos and left for his village in an ambulance, without trying to calm the protestors.
The MHA underlined that the government remains committed to addressing the people’s aspirations in Ladakh. It also requested citizens not to forward old or misleading videos that could worsen the situation. The next high-powered committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings on September 25 and 26 to continue discussions with local leaders.
