Leh experienced significant violence on Tuesday as youth-led demonstrations in Ladakh, advocating for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, turned chaotic and destructive. What started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated when a group of demonstrators set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) office in Leh. A nearby vehicle was also set ablaze, leading to immediate intervention by the police. Eyewitness accounts indicated that tensions rose following a clash between the protestors and security forces. In an effort to disperse the crowd, police employed teargas and baton charges. Numerous injuries were reported, although the precise number is unknown.
This unrest coincides with a pivotal moment, just before a planned round of negotiations between Ladakh representatives and the Union government. Protesters are advocating for full statehood for Ladakh, which became a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. They are also seeking protections under the Sixth Schedule to preserve Ladakh’s unique tribal culture, land rights, and delicate environment. Notable climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a prominent figure in the movement, voiced serious concerns over the violence. While reaffirming his support for the youth’s demands, Wangchuk urged them to maintain calm and peaceful actions, cautioning that violence might undermine their cause at such a critical juncture.
The situation has heightened political tensions in the area, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of neglecting Ladakh’s persistent issues, while the ruling party condemned the violence and called for calm. The upcoming discussions between the Centre and Ladakh’s leadership now hold increased significance as the region faces escalating dissatisfaction, especially among its younger demographic, who feel excluded from decisions impacting their future.
