4 killed, 59 injured

Kargil, Sep 24: At least four persons were killed and 59 others injured on Wednesday after a protest demonstration held by scores of people, particularly youth, demanding statehood to the Ladakh Union Territory and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned violent in Leh.

The protests come ahead of a fresh round of talks scheduled for October 6 between the Union Home Ministry and Ladakhi representatives - the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have been in negotiations with the Centre for nearly three years over statehood, Sixth Schedule protection, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.

The agitating youth clashed with the Police, hurling stones and attacking the local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh building.

The Police retaliated with a cane charge and firing tear smoke canisters, bringing Leh to a standstill.

Several policemen were also injured in the clashes.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, LAB Chairman Chering Dorjey said that at least four persons had been killed in the protests.

He said that the MHA should hold talks as soon as possible to address the concerns of the people of Ladakh.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leh, Stanzin Norboo, confirmed the death of four persons in the protests.

He said that around 40 policemen had also been injured.

The youth wing of LAB had called for protests and a shutdown in support of their four-point agenda of inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule.

The clashes erupted after two of the 15 associates of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike since September 10, were hospitalised on Tuesday evening.

Wangchuk has been pressing for full statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh, citing growing insecurity and loss of rights of the locals.

The protesters attempted to storm the LAHDC office but were prevented by security forces, leading to intense stone-pelting.

Several vehicles, including a CRPF van, were set ablaze.

The unrest marked one of the sharpest escalations in the region’s agitation since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019.

KDA CALLS FOR KARGIL BANDH

Following the protests, the KDA and several trade bodies held an emergency meeting in Kargil and announced a complete shutdown in Kargil on Thursday to press their long-pending demand for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and also to extend support to Wangchuk.

LADAKH FESTIVAL’S LAST DAY ACTIVITIES CANCELLED

The administration of Ladakh has announced the cancellation of the last day and closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2025 due to unavoidable circumstances, officials said.

An official spokesman said that the administration deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all stakeholders, including local artists, cultural troupes, tourists, and the people of Ladakh who were eagerly looking forward to the event.

“The administration thanks the people for their cooperation and understanding during this time and for the overwhelming support and participation in the festival,” he said.

POLITICAL LEADERS REACT

Political reactions poured in swiftly.

Former Member of Parliament and LAB Chairman Thupstan Chewang expressed concern over the situation arising in Ladakh and appealed for peace.

He expressed grief over the loss of lives in the protests and said that their sacrifice would not go to waste.

KDA’s Sajjad Kargili also sympathised with the protesters, saying the bandh reflected the “failure” of the Union Territory model.

“Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration and insecurity due to the government's failed UT experiment. The onus lies on the government to resume dialogue, act sensibly, and fulfill Ladakh’s demand for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule without delay. I also appeal to people to remain peaceful and steadfast,” he posted on X.